The human liver performs hundreds of individual functions including storing and metabolizing vitamins and nutrients, fighting infection, and producing bile which is vital to breaking down fats. Liver damage typically occurs over time and becomes permanent and progressive. Early stages of liver damage are referred to as compensated cirrhosis. At this stage, the liver can overcome or compensate for the damage and still perform most of its functions. Symptoms during this stage of liver problems tend to be vague, generalized or nonexistent.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
The Hepatitis C Trust, a UK-based hepatitis awareness group, lists signs of early disease as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Excess gas, bloating and indigestion also occur. Malnutrition can develop due to decreased metabolism of nutrients and less intake due to loss of appetite. These conditions lead to weakness, fatigue and weight loss.
Bone Loss and Infection
Beside malnutrition, other problems caused by malabsorption of nutrients occurs in the early stages of liver damage. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that bone loss and osteoporosis occur due to the malabsorption of vitamin D and calcium deficiency. This increases the risk of bone fracture in persons thought to be otherwise healthy. The liver also engulfs bacteria and removes it from the body. Persons with early stages of liver damage may be susceptible to frequent infections. Because of the liver's impaired ability to filter the blood, sensitivity to medications also increases in early liver disease.
Skin Changes
Skin changes occur both in the early and late stages of liver damage. Early symptoms tend to include the appearance of spider veins on the skin of the abdomen, face or arms. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that the size and amount of spider veins relates to the severity of liver disease. According to the Hepatitis C Trust, itching, bruising and jaundice may also occur in the early stages of the disease.
References
- "Medical Surgical Nursing" Ignatavicius, D. MSN, Workman, L. PhD.; 2002
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Cirrhosis and Chronic Liver Failure Part I
- Hepatitis C Trust: Compensated Cirrhosis
