This article provides an overview of the signs and symptoms that often appear in liver disease and goes over when you should consider seeing a healthcare provider for your symptoms.
Frequent Symptoms
From fatty liver disease to hepatitis, researchers have identified more than 100 different types of liver disease. While the key symptoms for each specific condition can vary, there are several that many liver diseases share.
Some of the most frequent signs and symptoms of liver disease include:
Yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin in people with lighter skin tones (jaundice) Abdominal pain (especially below the right side of the rib cage) Swelling of the legs or abdomen Diarrhea Nausea Fatigue Bleeding and bruising easily Loss of appetite or poor digestion Confusion or agitation
These signs will start when the liver is unable to function properly. This can happen gradually and may not be noticeable right away. In some cases, the symptoms may progress fairly quickly.
For example, liver conditions like fatty liver disease, genetic liver disease, and hepatitis B, C, and D typically do not cause immediate symptoms and are linked to a slower progression of liver damage. On the other hand, the symptoms of viral hepatitis A and E can start as soon as a few weeks after exposure.
Some people do not experience any noticeable symptoms of liver disease and may look and feel fine until the condition is advanced.
Rare Symptoms
Symptoms like jaundice are typically one of the first signs associated with liver disease, but there are also some less-common signs that can appear. These include:
Itchy skin Problems walking Breast enlargement (gynecomastia) and testicle shrinking in males Red palms (palmar erythema) Weight changes (either weight loss or weight gain) Poor or inconsistent sleep Bleeding from the upper or lower intestinal tract Decreased brain function and poor memory Seizures Loss of consciousness
These symptoms can happen later in the course of liver disease.
The advancement of liver disease usually begins with inflammation, leads to initial scarring (fibrosis), progresses to severe scarring (cirrhosis), and can potentially result in liver failure. As the last stage of liver disease, liver failure is when the organ loses its ability to perform essential functions and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Complications/Sub-Group Indications
In general, some possible complications that can happen as a result of liver disease include:
Ascites: a collection of fluid in the abdomen Hepatic encephalopathy: a buildup of toxins in the brain that leads to confusion and behavioral changes Portal hypertension: an increase in pressure in the portal vein that can cause swelling and bleeding Enlargement of the spleen: caused by blood flow blockage from the spleen to the liver An increased risk for bacterial infections: due to a weakened immune system An increased risk of developing liver cancer: due to damage from viral hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and other factors.
In older adults, liver disease can cause some specific complications, such as:
Gastrointestinal tract bleeding Increased muscle loss Skin problems Heart complications
Pregnant people with liver disease may experience complications related to childbirth, including:
Impaired kidney function Placental abruption Preeclampsia Preterm delivery Stillbirth Postpartum hemorrhage
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Liver disease can potentially become life-threatening if it’s not treated in time. Seek medical attention right away if you notice the following signs, in addition to the frequent symptoms of liver disease:
Extreme fatigueUnusual confusion, agitation, or change in alertnessAbdominal or chest pain that doesn’t go awayAbdominal swelling that is new or suddenly becomes worseFeverVomiting bloodBlood in the urine or stoolShortness of breath
The liver is an organ that has the ability to repair and regenerate itself. This is why early diagnosis is key for treating liver damage. Many types of liver disease can be cured or managed with the right care. However, liver disease damage can become irreversible or life-threatening.
Summary
While each type of liver disease is unique, there are several common symptoms that point to liver damage. People with liver disease may not notice any signs at all at first but may experience symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, swelling in the legs, urine or stool color changes, and fatigue. As the disease progresses, lesser-known symptoms like itchy skin, weight changes, and loss of brain function can occur.
A Word From Verywell
Roughly 4.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with liver disease. Many others likely have liver disease but have yet to recognize the signs. If it’s accessible to you, it’s important to get regular medical checkups. This will help you stay on top of any early signs of liver disease. Depending on the underlying cause of the disease, know that many liver conditions can be managed through treatment methods like lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
