In addition to the mentioned functions, it performs hundreds of vital tasks in the body. As the only internal organ, it is capable of regeneration; however, its disease can cause serious, even life-threatening conditions. What can be the symptoms of liver diseases?
Liver diseases can be distinguished as acute and chronic cases – this distinction is justified because the symptoms experienced can also be different.
Symptoms of acute liver diseases
Among acute liver diseases, conditions caused by viruses (such as hepatitis A, B, C, E, cytomegalovirus, or Epstein-Barr) and liver abscess are the most common. In the former case, flu-like complaints (headache, abdominal pain, chills, possibly diarrhea) can be experienced, while in the latter case, fever, vomiting, and pain in the liver area can draw attention to inflammation.
General symptoms of acute liver diseases include:
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes, skin, and nails
- Chronic fatigue, dullness
- Loss of appetite, weight loss
- Nausea
- Darkening of urine (rust-brown color)
- Lightening of stool (whitish color
Symptoms of chronic liver diseases
Chronic liver diseases usually develop completely asymptomatically or without characteristic symptoms. Typical complaints are usually only experienced in an advanced state. In case of liver function loss, the following symptoms may appear:
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Swollen legs
- Enlarged, tight abdomen
- Bleeding tendency
- Dull pain (in the case of rapidly growing cysts or liver cancer)
In addition to the mentioned symptoms, liver disease can also be indicated by skin bleeding, skin itching, subcutaneous water retention, increased intestinal gas production, rapid heartbeat, excessive and sweet-smelling sweating, sweetish breath odor, taste disturbances, redness of the soles and palms, white nails, feminization of male breasts, clubbing of fingers, or the appearance of abdominal wall hernias.
Diagnosis of liver diseases
- During the internal medicine examination, palpation of the abdomen plays an important role, which can provide guidance on further actions.
- Liver function laboratory tests can provide information about substances produced by the liver and inflammatory changes.
- Ultrasound examination can reveal the underlying causes of elevated liver enzyme values.
- Liver biopsy is only performed in justified cases. In this case, a tissue sample is taken with a thin, special needle under local anesthesia.
Experiencing symptoms indicative of liver disease? Participate in a comprehensive internal medicine examination!
The mentioned symptoms should always be taken seriously. In case of prolonged complaints, contact your general practitioner or confidently turn to the specialists at UDyouMED and request our gastroenterology package for a correct diagnosis and prompt initiation of effective treatment!