What are the early symptoms of liver disease?

Dec 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

In general, early-stage liver disease may present symptoms such as discomfort in the liver area, jaundice, metabolic abnormalities, tendency to bleed, and decreased mental and physical energy. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid excessive fatigue to protect liver health. Additionally, regular liver function tests and liver ultrasound examinations should be conducted for early detection of liver problems.

Generally, early-stage liver disease may present symptoms such as discomfort in the liver area, jaundice, metabolic abnormalities, bleeding tendencies, and decreased mental and physical stamina. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Discomfort in the liver area

Some patients may experience dull pain or discomfort in the liver area early on, usually located in the upper right abdomen or the right side of the back. This could be caused by factors such as liver inflammation, enlargement, or blockage of the bile ducts within the liver.

2. Jaundice

Jaundice is one of the typical early symptoms of liver disease, characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, as well as darker urine. This occurs due to impaired uptake, conjugation, and excretion of bilirubin by damaged liver cells, leading to an increased concentration of bilirubin in the blood.

3. Metabolic abnormalities

Liver disease can lead to abnormal glucose metabolism, triggering diabetes or hypoglycemic symptoms. Additionally, liver disease may cause lipid metabolism disorders, leading to the development of fatty liver disease.

4. Bleeding tendencies

The liver is the primary organ responsible for synthesizing coagulation factors. Patients with early-stage liver disease may experience abnormal clotting functions, such as bleeding gums or nosebleeds. This is due to reduced synthesis of coagulation factors caused by impaired liver function.

5. Decline in mental and physical stamina

In the early stages, liver disease often causes general fatigue, easy exhaustion, and even excessive sleepiness. These symptoms occur due to reduced liver function, which leads to abnormal energy metabolism and impaired toxin elimination, thereby affecting the nervous and mental systems.

Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid excessive fatigue to protect liver health. Also, undergo regular liver function tests and liver ultrasounds to detect liver problems at an early stage.

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