What are the symptoms of poor liver health?

Mar 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My mother-in-law has developed jaundice, and we are unsure whether this indicates liver problems. Could you please tell us, doctor, what are the symptoms of poor liver function?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Gao Jun

Poor liver function can lead to symptoms such as indigestion, jaundice, pain in the liver area, fatigue, and easy bleeding.

1. Indigestion: The liver secretes bile to aid in fat digestion. When liver function is impaired, bile secretion may decrease or its quality may decline, leading to indigestion symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, aversion to greasy foods, and abdominal bloating.

2. Jaundice: Decreased liver capacity to process bilirubin leads to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, causing jaundice, which is characterized by yellowing of the skin and sclera, and darkened urine.

3. Liver Area Pain: When the liver becomes inflamed, swollen, or develops a tumor, the liver capsule may be stretched, stimulating nerve endings and causing pain or discomfort in the liver area.

4. Fatigue: The liver plays a vital role in energy metabolism. Impaired liver function can disrupt the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, resulting in insufficient energy production and causing fatigue and weakness.

5. Easy Bleeding: The liver is a key organ for synthesizing clotting factors. When liver function is compromised, the synthesis of these factors decreases, leading to impaired blood clotting and symptoms such as gum bleeding, nosebleeds, and skin bruising.

If these symptoms occur, prompt medical attention is advised to determine the cause through medical examination and diagnosis, and to implement appropriate treatment measures. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle and dietary habits, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and overexertion, can help protect liver health.