What are the symptoms of impaired liver function?
Dec 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, impaired liver function may present symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and pain in the liver area. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Additionally, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as alcohol can directly damage the liver and long-term drinking increases the burden on the liver.
Generally, impaired liver function may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and pain in the liver area. If you experience any discomfort, seek medical attention promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Fatigue
When liver function is impaired, the liver's metabolic capacity declines, resulting in insufficient energy production. The liver normally converts nutrients into energy required by the body. When liver function is compromised, metabolic efficiency decreases, leading to inadequate energy supply and causing fatigue.
2. Jaundice
When liver cells are damaged, bilirubin metabolism becomes abnormal. Bilirubin is a substance produced from the breakdown of red blood cells. Under normal conditions, the liver processes and excretes bilirubin from the body. When liver function is impaired, bilirubin cannot be properly metabolized and excreted, accumulating in the bloodstream and causing yellowing of the skin and sclera, known as jaundice.
3. Loss of Appetite
When liver function is impaired, bile secretion decreases, affecting fat digestion, and gastrointestinal motility may also be impacted, potentially leading to loss of appetite. Additionally, liver damage may cause accumulation of toxins in the body, irritating the gastrointestinal tract and further affecting appetite.
4. Nausea and Vomiting
Liver damage may cause reverse peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea and vomiting. At the same time, abnormal metabolic byproducts from the liver may also irritate the gastrointestinal tract, triggering vomiting. For example, certain substances produced during the liver's detoxification process may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing a sensation of nausea.
5. Liver Area Pain
When the liver is damaged, inflammatory reactions may occur in liver tissues, stimulating surrounding nerve endings and causing pain. This pain is typically described as dull or distended and may worsen during physical activity or when pressure is applied. Additionally, liver enlargement may stretch the liver capsule, causing pain.
In daily life, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as alcohol can directly damage the liver and long-term drinking increases the burden on the liver. Also maintain good dietary hygiene, avoid consuming unclean food, and reduce the risk of viral infections.
