Damage to your liver can result from factors such as high cholesterol, but the exact cause is not always clear and there are often a number of different factors contributing to the damage. According to a study published in the "Journal of Cell Metabolism" and reported by Science Daily website, high cholesterol can deplete your liver of a healthy antioxidant, resulting in damage and progression of fatty liver disease. Learning the symptoms associated with liver damage can help you protect your liver health.
No Noticeable Symptoms
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, liver disease can present without any symptoms and for this reason it is known as a silent disease. Fatty liver disease can take years to worsen and during this time you may not experience any noticeable symptoms. Therefore, it is important to talk with your doctor about your risks and the tests needed to determine your liver health.
Skin Yellowing
Your skin and the whites of your eyes can become yellow in color when you liver stops removing adequate amounts of bilirubin from your blood due to damage, notes the NDDIC. This condition is known as jaundice.
Fatigue
Experiencing an increased amount of fatigue is a symptom of decreased liver function. You may feel more tired if your liver is no longer cleaning your blood properly.
Itchy
Itchy skin can be a symptom of liver problems. According to MayoClinic.com, itchy skin related to liver problems generally occurs all over the body and is not isolated to one area. Also, the skin appears normal except for the red scratches that have resulted from scratching.
Hard Abdomen
As your liver becomes more scared from damage it can become harder. This hardening of the abdomen can result in abdominal pain. Your doctor may be able to feel for the hardening of your liver on your abdomen. When your damage to your liver progresses this far the treatments are limited and you may require a liver transplant.
Decreased Appetite
According to MayoClinic.com, a loss of appetite can be a symptom of liver damage. Also, weight loss can occur as an indirect symptom of your decreased appetite.
Increase Sensitivity to Medications
Medications are either filtered by your kidneys or your liver. When you experience liver damage those medications that are filtered by your liver may be affected. These medications will not be filtered out of your body as quickly, which can cause them to build up and they may affect you for longer periods of time. For this reason, doctors and pharmacists must take your liver health into consideration when prescribing medications.
