The liver is a large organ located on the upper right side of the abdomen. It is responsible for many things including detoxifying chemicals ingested in food, storing sugar for use in the body, making proteins, helping the blood to clot correctly, forming bile, regulating cholesterol among other functions. The liver can become damaged in many different ways. Two of the more common include alcohol abuse and viral hepatitis. Liver damage produces a number of symptoms and signs, however liver damage can also occur without any symptoms.
Skin Problems
"Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" by Anthony Fauci MD, states that one of the functions of the liver is to help breakdown a chemical called bilirubin. Bilirubin is released from old or damaged red blood cells, which are the predominant cells in the blood, responsible for carrying oxygen. If the liver becomes damaged, bilirubin can build up and cause the skin and eyes to turn yellow, called jaundice. The skin may also itch, develop red spider-like lesions called telangiectasias, or redden, particularly on the palms.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Gastrointestinal problems may include pain in the right upper area of the abodomen. Other gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. The abdomen may also swell with fluid, a condition called ascites, and the fluid may need to be removed in a procedure called a peritoneal paracentesis. Other areas of the body, such as the legs, may also swell due to liver damage.
Psychological Problems and Nerve Problems
Liver damage, especially liver failure, can cause various problems with nerves, including those of the brain, leading to psychological manifestations. Fatigue, weakness or a general sense of malaise or not feeling well can be symptomatic of liver problems. Difficulty concentrating is another. A person may also experience muscle tremors. Hepatic encephalopathy is brain dysfunction causing many of the above symptoms from the buildup of toxic compounds normally cleared by the liver, especially ammonia.
Bleeding
Since the liver makes proteins responsible for blood clotting, liver damage can interfere with the process of clotting. This can result in easy bruising and excessive bleeding, such as when flossing the teeth.
Infections
Persons with liver failure also become more susceptible to infections. The fluid build up in the abdomen can become infected with bacteria or other organisms. If infected with bacteria, the condition is called spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and requires aggressive treatment. Other infections can also occur.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony S Fauci MD; 17th Ed 2008
- "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment"; Stephen J. McPhee and Maxine Papadakis; 49th Ed 2010
