The liver is a vital organ of the human body and is essential for survival. It is located on the right side of the body near the abdomen. The liver breaks down fat in the bloodstream, converts glucose to glycogen, helps produce urea for generating urine, filters toxins from the blood and produces 80 percent of the body's overall cholesterol. The liver can go bad from a variety of diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis, cancer, cirrhosis, Wilson's disease, hemochromatois and certain medications. When the liver goes bad or begins to fail there are common signs and symptoms that will alert you to the condition.
General Malaise
General malaise refers to a feeling of overall discomfort. This type of symptom is very similar to that of the flu or a really bad cold. Most patients suffering from liver damage or a bad liver may also feel tired, weak and under the weather. Malaise can also include headaches and body aches. If someone is experiencing these symptoms along with others, they should have a liver enzyme blood test done to determine if their liver is functioning in the proper manner.
Skin Issues
Someone whose liver is failing or going bad may also experience skin issues that occur throughout the body. One of the first signs may be itchy skin. When there is severe itching with no signs of rash, this could be an indication of a bad liver. The itching can occur anywhere on the body but more likely on the extremities or abdominal area. The skin may also bruise--this is a result of the liver decreasing the production of blood clot proteins throughout the body. The body may also develop a condition called jaundice. Jaundice is a build-up of billirubin in the bloodstream and causes the skin to turn a yellowish hue.
Swelling
Often times when there is swelling present along with other symptoms, this could be an indication of a bad liver. With a bad liver, the organ no longer works in conjunction with the kidneys to rid the body of excess fluids. Swelling likely occurs in the ankles, legs and hands. This is called edema. This is caused from the body retaining excess water due to poor liver function. The fluid begins to accumulate in the body and the swelling can cause distress on everyday living and getting around. A fluid buildup and accumulation in the abdomen is called ascites. A paracentesis may have to be performed to remove the fluid if diuretics and other medications are not successful.
Internal Bleeding
Someone who has a bad liver may suffer from internal bleeding. The reason for this could be both blood vessels and veins rupturing in the gastrointestinal area or from bleeding ulcers in the stomach and surrounding stomach tissue. The internal bleeding may not be detected right away or until the patient has lost too much blood. A blood transfusion may be needed in conjunction with surgery. A treatment plan, such as a liver transplant, may be initiated for life-saving measures.
Coma
In severe cases of bad liver disease or cirrhosis, the patient may eventually slip into a coma or become unresponsive. This could happen when the body begins to shut down and the liver is beginning to fail. Other organ, such as the kidneys, heart and brain, will soon be affected. Timing is crucial for the patient to get a liver transplant before other organs are severely affected and death occurs.
