5 Min Read
The liver is a vital organ responsible for numerous critical functions, including detoxifying harmful substances, producing bile for digestion, and storing nutrients. When it becomes damaged or inflamed—a condition known as acute liver disease—the consequences can be serious and even life-threatening. Early detection is key to effective treatment, so it’s crucial to recognise the warning signs your liver may be sending you. This blog is a compilation of 10 signs that you must treat as red flags and immediately visit the best gastroenterologist in Gurgaon for timely treatment and recovery.
Synopsis
Here are 10 signs of acute liver disease you should never ignore:
1. Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin and Eyes)
This is often the most recognisable symptom of liver trouble. Jaundice occurs when bilirubin, a yellow pigment, builds up in the blood due to the liver’s inability to process it properly.
2. Abdominal Pain and Swelling
Pain or tenderness in the upper right portion of the abdomen can signal liver inflammation. A swollen abdomen may indicate ascites, a buildup of fluid caused by liver dysfunction.
3. Chronic Fatigue
Feeling constantly tired or weak without a clear cause may stem from the liver’s reduced ability to process toxins and maintain energy levels.
4. Nausea or Vomiting
Frequent nausea and vomiting can point to liver distress, especially when paired with other symptoms like loss of appetite or weight loss.
5. Dark Urine
If your urine turns unusually dark (amber or cola-colored), it may indicate excess bilirubin in your system, a sign of liver impairment.
6. Pale or Clay-Colored Stools
Healthy bile production gives stool its brown colour. Pale or clay-colored stools may suggest that the liver isn’t producing or releasing enough bile.
7. Swelling in Legs and Ankles
Like abdominal swelling, this can be caused by fluid retention due to reduced liver function or increased pressure in the blood vessels around the liver.
8. Itchy Skin
Persistent itchiness—especially without a rash—may be linked to bile salt buildup under the skin due to poor liver function.
9. Easy Bruising or Bleeding
The liver helps produce proteins necessary for blood clotting. If you're bruising easily or bleeding more than usual, it may indicate declining liver health.
10. Confusion or Cognitive Changes
Also known as hepatic encephalopathy, mental fog, confusion, or personality changes may occur when toxins build up in the brain due to the liver’s inability to filter them out.
Tips to Prevent Liver Diseases
Your liver works hard 24/7 to detoxify your body, regulate metabolism, and support digestion. Here’s how you can return the favour:
1. Maintain a Healthy Diet
-
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
-
Avoid processed foods, high-fat meals, and excess sugar.
-
Incorporate liver-friendly foods like garlic, turmeric, beets, and leafy greens.
2. Limit Alcohol Intake
-
Excessive alcohol is a major cause of liver damage.
-
Stick to moderate drinking guidelines: drink/day for women, 2 drinks/day for men—or avoid alcohol entirely.
3. Stay Physically Active
-
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
-
Regular activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of fatty liver disease.
4. Avoid Toxins
-
Be cautious with household cleaners, insecticides, and aerosol sprays.
-
Use gloves, masks, and ventilation when handling chemicals.
5. Get Vaccinated
-
Vaccines for Hepatitis A and B can protect you from serious liver infections.
6. Maintain a Healthy Weight
-
Obesity increases the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
-
A healthy diet and regular exercise go a long way in preventing fat buildup in the liver.
7. Stay Hydrated
-
Drinking plenty of water helps your liver flush out toxins more effectively.
8. Regular Checkups and Liver Screenings
-
If you have risk factors (e.g., diabetes, obesity, family history of liver disease), get your liver function tested regularly.
Liver diseases often develop silently, but prevention is completely within your control. By adopting a liver-friendly lifestyle, you can reduce your risk and promote long-term health.
Conclusion
When to See a Gastroenterologist in Gurgaon
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms—especially in combination—it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. Acute liver disease can escalate quickly, and early intervention can make a life-saving difference. Your liver is a silent workhorse, but when it cries out for help, listening could save your life. Stay alert, get regular health checkups, and don’t ignore the signs your body gives you.
FAQ's
There are certain foods that can strengthen liver health:
-
Coffee
-
Beetroot
-
Turmeric
-
Olive oil
-
Green tea
-
Nuts
-
Grapes
-
Avocado
The most common types of liver infection are hepatitis viruses, including Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
It depends on the type of hepatitis that you have. For example, hepatitis A often goes away without medical treatment. Antivirals can cure hepatitis C, while a liver transplant may cure chronic hepatitis B.
People need a liver transplant when their liver fails due to disease or injury. Chronic diseases of the liver, wherein all the medications and other treatment options have failed, may call for a liver transplant, but a gastroenterologist will determine whether it is beneficial or not.
Yes, a liver can regrow to a normal size even after up to 90% of it has been removed. But that does not mean always! Many diseases and exposures can harm it beyond the point of repair.
Share this article on:
