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What are the early symptoms of liver disease?

Dec 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, early symptoms of liver disease include discomfort in the liver area, fatigue and drowsiness, jaundice, bleeding tendencies, and metabolic abnormalities. Some patients may experience mild pain or discomfort in the liver area at an early stage, which may be related to factors such as liver enlargement and tension in the hepatic capsule. Discomfort in the liver area usually occurs in the upper right abdomen and may sometimes radiate to the back or shoulder.

Generally, early symptoms of liver disease include discomfort in the liver area, fatigue and drowsiness, jaundice, bleeding tendencies, and metabolic abnormalities. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Discomfort in the Liver Area

Some patients may experience dull pain or discomfort in the liver area during the early stages, which may be related to factors such as liver enlargement and tension in the liver capsule. Discomfort typically occurs in the upper right abdomen and may sometimes radiate to the back or shoulder.

2. Fatigue and Drowsiness

Patients with liver disease often feel general fatigue and tire easily during the early stages, and may even experience excessive sleepiness. This is primarily due to declining liver function leading to abnormal energy metabolism, which prevents the body from receiving sufficient energy.

3. Jaundice

Jaundice is one of the common early symptoms of liver disease, manifesting as yellowing of the skin and sclera, and darkening of urine color. It may occur because impaired liver function leads to abnormal bilirubin metabolism, causing bilirubin to accumulate in the blood and be excreted through urine.

4. Bleeding Tendencies

Patients with liver disease may exhibit bleeding tendencies such as bleeding gums or nosebleeds in the early stages. This is mainly because the liver is the primary organ responsible for synthesizing clotting factors. When the liver is damaged, the synthesis of these factors decreases, resulting in impaired blood clotting function.

5. Metabolic Abnormalities

Early-stage liver disease may also lead to metabolic abnormalities such as impaired glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. As the liver plays a key role in regulating metabolism within the body, damage to the liver affects its metabolic functions, leading to metabolic disturbances.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding excessive fatigue, ensuring adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in moderate exercise can enhance the liver's detoxification capacity and immunity.

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