"Liver disease" is a term that encompasses a number of medical conditions that affect the liver, including liver cancer, cirrhosis or hepatitis. In healthy patients, the liver functions to remove toxins from the body and aids in normal digestion. Though the first symptoms of liver disease may be subtle or difficult to detect, affected patients should seek medical care as soon as possible.
No First Symptoms
Nearly 50 percent of patients with liver disease do not experience noticeable symptoms of this condition, according to University of Iowa Health Care medical experts. This can make it difficult for a doctor to detect this disease in affected patients. Patients who are obese, consume excessive amounts of alcohol or have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can be at an increased risk of developing liver disease, explains MayoClinic.com. If a patient has concerns or questions regarding liver disease, he should seek additional guidance and care from a doctor.
Jaundice
The liver produces a yellow-colored substance called bilirubin, which aids in the normal digestion of ingested food products. If the liver can't function normally due to disease, bilirubin can abnormally accumulate within the tissues of the body. When this occurs, affected patients may develop jaundice, a first symptom of liver disease characterized by an unusual yellow discoloration of the skin or whites of the eyes, report health professionals with the University of Illinois Medical Center. Patients who develop jaundice should seek prompt medical care as this symptom can lead to additional complications if left untreated.
Urine or Stool Discoloration
Patients with liver disease can produce abnormally colored urine or stools as a symptom of this condition. An affected patient may notice that his urine is unusually dark, while his stools appear pale or light-colored, explains the University of Illinois Medical Center.
Stomach Upset or Weight Loss
Liver disease can cause stomach upset symptoms in certain patients. These stomach related symptoms can include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, which may contribute to sensations of abdominal discomfort, cramping or bloating. Certain patients with liver disease can also experience a decreased appetite or mild weight loss as first symptoms of this condition, reports the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for patients and caregivers.
Fatigue
Excessive or chronic fatigue can arise as a first symptom of liver disease in certain patients, reports MayoClinic.com. Increased fatigue during the day can make it difficult for affected patients to participate in their normal activities. Symptoms of tiredness or fatigue may also occur in conjunction with stomach upset and jaundice in certain patients.
