Ignoring Liver Problems Can Be a Matter Of Concern

Feeling sluggish, sick, and slightly yellowed lately? Have you lost your appetite or started itching for no apparent reason? Your liver may be trying to send you an urgent message that demands your attention!

People usually link liver diseases to alcohol and drugs. However, this is not true as there are more than 100 types of liver diseases, and there are a variety of other reasons for their cause. Liver diseases affect everyone, from children to older people, irrespective of their sex.

The majority of the time, people don’t come to know about their liver problems because it hardly causes any symptoms, and the patient comes to know about the disease only when significant damage is already done. So, in this blog, let’s understand some common causes and symptoms of liver problems to get a better understanding of why you should now ignore your liver problems.

Common Liver Problems

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver cells. It is estimated to affect up to 25% of people globally. The common causes are obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high alcohol consumption. Fatty liver can often go undiagnosed as most people do not experience symptoms in the early stages. If left untreated, it can progress to more serious liver scarring and damage.

Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis refers to liver inflammation caused by one of several viruses. The most common types are hepatitis A, B, and C. They cause similar symptoms but spread through different modes of transmission. Viral hepatitis attacks liver cells and causes inflammation that can permanently destroy the liver over time. Medications are available to treat or slow the progression of liver damage.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis involves the replacement of liver cells with scar tissue, which prevents the liver from functioning properly. Various conditions like fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, or excessive alcohol use can cause cirrhosis. It develops slowly over the years, and symptoms may not be obvious until extensive damage has occurred. Cirrhosis is a life-threatening condition and can ultimately lead to liver failure.

If you have any of these types of liver problems, visiting the famous liver hospital in Delhi can help you. The doctors will help you diagnose the actual problem and treat it accordingly.

Symptoms of Liver Problems

Here are some common signs indicating an unhealthy liver:

Why Liver Problems Should Not Be Ignored

It’s crucial to recognize and evaluate symptoms of liver problems promptly rather than ignore them. Here’s why:

Can Lead to Liver Failure

Chronic liver conditions like cirrhosis cannot be reversed once the liver stops functioning. Seeking early treatment can slow further damage and may help prevent eventual liver failure.

Increased Risk of Complications

Ignoring ongoing liver problems allows it to progress to advanced stages silently. This heightens the risk of serious complications like uncontrollable bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction), kidney failure, and fluid in the abdomen.

Harder to Treat

In the initial stages, lifestyle changes related to diet, exercise, alcohol, and medications may be sufficient to manage liver disease. But once it advances, treatments like drugs, surgery, or even transplants may be required.

Reduces Quality of Life

Symptomatic liver disease significantly impacts energy levels, mood, ability to work, financial stability, personal relationships, and self-esteem. Early intervention can resolve symptoms, stop progression, and improve quality of life.

Conclusion

The liver allows our body to function optimally when healthy but silently suffers damage when diseased. Recognizing common liver problems and symptoms and seeking prompt medical care offers the best chance to preserve liver function.

Allowing these liver problems to remain undiagnosed or untreated can lead to liver failure and other complications. Take care of your liver and pay attention if your body indicates any signs of liver distress.

And if you are looking for the famous liver hospital in Delhi, PSRI Hospital is here to help you. We are known for offering the best medical services that are up to international standards, and we ensure that patients are in their entire comfort zone during their treatment. Book an appointment today to know more.

FAQs

What are some common liver problems I should watch out for? 

Some common liver problems include fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

What symptoms indicate I may have a liver problem? 

Some common symptoms are fatigue/weakness, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or swelling, nausea/vomiting, jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes), itchy skin, dark urine, pale stool, high fever, or pain in the liver region.

Why is it bad to ignore symptoms of a possible liver problem? 

Ignoring potential liver disease allows it to silently progress to advanced stages, making it much harder to treat. It can then lead to serious complications like liver failure, bleeding issues, brain dysfunction, kidney failure, build-up of abdominal fluid, or even death. Seeking early treatment preserves liver function and quality of life.

What lifestyle changes can help manage liver problems? 

Losing weight if obese or diabetic, eliminating alcohol consumption, adopting a liver-friendly anti-inflammatory diet high in antioxidants, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding chemical/environmental exposures that tax liver function can help manage many liver conditions. Certain supplements may provide additional liver support when damaged.

When should I see a doctor for possible liver issues? 

Consult a doctor promptly if you experience any persistent signs of liver problems. Get immediate help if you notice symptoms like yellowish skin/eyes, abdominal swelling, vomiting blood or dark, tarry stools, high fever with abdominal pain, etc, as they may indicate acute liver damage or failure. Early intervention gives the best chance to treat liver conditions before they progress further.