12 Strange Signs That Indicate Liver Damage!

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Maahira Khan

 

 Sep 22

12 Strange Signs That Indicate Liver Damage!

In this article, we will talk about some early signs that may indicate liver problems. This is very important, as they can help you take steps to prevent the condition from getting worse.

The liver has the ability to repair itself, but only if you take care of it. According to statistics from the American Liver Foundation, about 25% of adults in the United States suffer from liver disease. According to research, about 27% of the Russian population also faces this problem.

Warning 
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 
The author does not recommend self-medication or using unproven treatment methods. I remind you that contacting a doctor and following the recommendations of evidence-based medicine are the only correct solution in the fight against various diseases. 

Causes of liver disease

Although many people believe that excessive alcohol consumption is the only cause of liver damage, this is not true.

There are other factors that can lead to liver problems, such as eating processed foods, too much sugar and vegetable oils, taking too many painkillers, and viruses. All of these can cause liver damage.

Signs of liver damage

Additional sources of information used to write the article will be indicated in the pinned comment/down below. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10] 

1. Pale stool

Pale stools can be a sign of liver problems. When we eat, our liver produces bile, which helps digest food and fats. This bile gives our stool its normal brown color.

However, if you have liver problems, such as damage or fat buildup, this can block the flow of bile through the bile ducts. This can change the color of your stool to a lighter color, such as paper or clay.

This is due to undigested fats in your diet. Your stool may also become more buoyant, causing it to float on top of the water in the toilet. So, do not ignore these symptoms and consult your doctor for advice.

2. Poor night vision

Poor night vision can be one of the signs of liver damage. This is a condition in which a person has difficulty seeing in low light or darkness.

As we know, the liver’s main function is to filter toxins and produce proteins, including something called retinol-binding protein, which transports vitamin A to the retina. When the liver is damaged, it can lead to vitamin A deficiency, which affects the cells and retina responsible for vision in low light conditions.

If you have problems with night vision, it is important to see a doctor, as this may indicate liver damage. Your doctor can conduct the necessary tests and prescribe treatment to prevent further liver damage and improve your vision.

Note

Retinol-binding protein 4 (BP4) is a peptide that is synthesized in adipose tissue and functions to transport vitamin A to target tissues in the body. This protein is the only specific transport protein that circulates in the bloodstream and delivers vitamin A to its target tissues.

It is important to note that this article does not provide diagnoses or claim that the reader may have any health problems.

The article is based on research findings, doctors' opinions and provides information for informational purposes only!

The beneficial properties of certain products are also written for informational purposes only, based on generally known data.

Please note that this article does not encourage the use of these products as a method of self-medication!

Any questions regarding health and dietary changes should only be discussed with your doctor in person.

3. Swollen right foot

Swelling of the right foot and liver damage can cause a condition known as peripheral edema. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, usually in the legs.

When the liver is damaged, it may not produce enough albumin, a protein that is responsible for regulating the fluid balance in the body. This imbalance can lead to fluid accumulation in the lower extremities and cause swelling of the feet, especially on the right side due to the peculiarities of blood flow in the body.

It is important to note that in order to clarify the diagnosis and determine the cause of swelling of the foot, it is necessary to consult a doctor and undergo an examination. Only then can the appropriate treatment be prescribed.

4. Yellow bumps around the eyelids

Yellow bumps around the eyelids can be another sign of liver disease. When you notice white or yellowish growths around your eyelids, these small bags or bumps can be cholesterol deposits known as xanthelasma.

If you have a disease that affects the liver, it can cause the liver to stop breaking down cholesterol and start storing it in various parts of the body, including the eyelids. So if you notice symptoms such as yellow bumps around the eyelids, please do not ignore them and get your liver checked as soon as possible.

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5. Feeling of pressure or discomfort on the right side of the chest

Another sign that may indicate liver disease is a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the right side of the chest, especially after eating.

The bile produced by the liver can become thick and stagnant due to damage to the organ. When the liver is damaged, it cannot effectively remove bile, which can lead to a blockage of the small ducts that connect it to the gallbladder. The buildup of this bile puts pressure on the ribs and can even affect the phrenic nerve, causing muscle tension and discomfort in the right shoulder.

It is important to recognize these sensations as possible signs of liver problems so that you can seek help before it is too late. If you are experiencing symptoms such as pain in the right shoulder, nausea after eating, or a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the right side of the chest, it is important to see a doctor for an examination.

6. Purple or red bumps on the skin

Medical experts have determined that the damaged liver cannot produce proteins such as fibrinogen, which is a key component in the blood clotting cascade.

This can cause people with liver damage to bruise more easily and more often, which can result in unusual purple and red spots or bumps on the skin.

They are mostly seen around the shins and arms, but can appear on other parts of the body. Sometimes they are caused by poor circulation, which is also a sign of liver disease.

7. Cracked heels

Cracked heels can be a sign of liver problems. Our bodies use vitamin B3, also known as niacin, to keep our skin hydrated, smooth, and strong, protecting it from damage.

However, when the liver is damaged, it uses all of its stored vitamin B3 to repair itself. Vitamin B3 deficiency can cause cracked feet, heels, and soles. So it is important to pay attention to this small sign, as it may indicate liver damage.

8. White and swollen nails

White or swollen nails can be a sign of serious liver damage or an underlying health problem that affects the oxygen supply to the nails.

A study in the 1950s found that eight out of ten people with severe liver scarring had completely white nails, confirming the strong correlation between nail appearance and liver health.

Slanted nails, characterized by rounded and enlarged fingertips, can also be a sign of chronic hypoxia, often associated with liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Monitoring changes in the appearance of nails along with other symptoms can help in early detection of liver-related problems.

9. Dark urine

If your urine is dark yellow or brown, it could be a sign that your liver may be damaged. The liver plays an important role in filtering and processing waste products from the blood, including a yellow pigment called beta-carotene, which gives urine its color.

When the liver is damaged, it may not be able to process beta-carotene properly, causing it to build up in the body and give your urine a darker color. This can be a symptom of a variety of liver diseases, such as hepatitis C or liver cancer.

If you notice a change in urine color or other symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, or nausea, it’s important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and treatment of liver disease can help prevent serious complications and keep your liver healthy for years to come.

10. Jaundice

Jaundice is a common symptom of fatty liver disease. It occurs when the liver is overloaded with fat and cannot properly process and remove bilirubin, a yellow pigment that forms when red blood cells break down in the bloodstream.

Bilirubin is normally processed and removed from the body, but when the liver is overloaded with fat, its ability to process and remove bilirubin is reduced, causing it to build up in the body. This buildup causes the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes to turn yellow, resulting in the characteristic signs of jaundice.

11. Spider veins

Spider veins are dilated blood vessels that form close to the surface of the skin. They may appear as a web of red, blue, or purple lines, which is why they are sometimes called spider veins. These veins usually appear on the face, legs, and feet and can be a sign of underlying liver disease.

When the liver is damaged, estrogen levels can increase, which increases the pressure in the veins and makes them visible. Spider veins can also be a symptom of other liver diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis.

12. Skin itching

Itchy skin is a common symptom of liver damage. This condition can be caused by a buildup of bile acids under the skin because the liver does not filter them out properly. This causes histamines to build up in the blood, which causes itching. This can cause dry, flaky skin, which can also contribute to the itchy feeling.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, you may want to see your doctor and have a liver ultrasound to determine if your liver is damaged.

Let's summarize what has been written

Remember that taking care of your liver health is an important aspect of your overall well-being. Don’t ignore the early signs of liver problems. Research shows that many people have liver problems that may be related not only to alcohol consumption but also to lifestyle and diet.

However, it is important to remember that the liver has an amazing ability to heal itself. If you take action early, you can prevent its condition from getting worse. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to your body and monitor your lifestyle and diet. Taking care of your liver means taking care of your overall health!

Additional sources of information used to write this article:

[1] Johns Hopkins Medicine. Liver Health.

[2] Chapman B, Sinclair M, Gow PJ, Testro AG. Malnutrition in liver cirrhosis: more food for thought . World J Hepatol . 2020;12(11):883-896. doi:10.4254/wjh.v12.i11.883

[3] Brunel M, Serste T. Sleep disturbances in patients with liver cirrhosis: prevalence, impact, and treatment challenges . Sleep Sci . 2018;10:369-375. doi:10.2147/NSS.S186665

[4] MedlinePlus. Loss of brain function-liver disease .

[5] Hegade VS, Kendrick SF, Rehman J, Jones DE. Pruritus and the liver: management in primary care . Br J Gen Pract. 2015;65(635):e418–e420. doi: 10.3399/bjgp15X685477

[6] Johns Hopkins Medicine. General characteristics of liver disease .

[7] Kujovic JL. Coagulopathy in liver disease: balancing . Hematology . 2015;2015(1):243–249. doi: 10.1182/asheducation-2015.1.243

[8] Johns Hopkins Medicine. Ascites .

[9] Johns Hopkins Medicine. Chronic liver disease/cirrhosis .

[10] Purnak T, Yilmaz Y. Liver disease and malnutrition . Advanced Practice & Research in Clinical Gastroenterology . 2013;27(4):619-629. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2013.06.018

[11] Serrao R, Zirvas M, English JK. Palmar erythema . Am J Clin Dermatol . 2007;8(6):347-356. doi:10.2165/00128071-200708060-00004

[12] Tajiri K, Shimizu Y. Recent advances in the treatment of pruritus in chronic liver disease . World J Gastroenterol . 2017;23(19):3418-3426. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i19.3418