Doctors warn that liver problems can become a "silent killer" in some cases, as diseases of this vital organ are difficult to detect until irreversible changes have occurred in the body.
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body, as it participates in digestion, glucose metabolism, protein and blood clotting factor production, and blood purification from toxins, in addition to dozens of other vital functions.
However, this organ can be affected by diseases, injuries, or an unhealthy diet. Health experts emphasize that liver damage, in its advanced stages, can disrupt the function of most bodily organs, potentially causing bleeding in blood vessels, affecting the brain with toxins, and leading to kidney dysfunction.
Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to warning signs that may indicate a liver problem, including:
The problem often begins with feeling tired quickly and low energy levels, symptoms that some people may misinterpret as being caused by work stress or vitamin deficiencies.
Although the liver itself does not contain pain receptors, its enlargement or swelling may lead to stretching of the membrane surrounding it, causing a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the upper right part of the abdomen, and the pain may extend to the right shoulder or back.
This is characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. This occurs because the liver is unable to process this substance and convert it into components that aid in digestion.
This may be an indication of high pressure in the portal vein that carries blood to the liver, or a decrease in the production of the protein albumin, leading to fluid accumulation within the abdominal cavity.
This may result from the accumulation of certain substances in the skin due to liver dysfunction, causing severe itching that may include large areas such as the limbs, abdomen, and back.
A change in stool color to lighter and urine color to darker may indicate a disorder in bilirubin processing or a problem with the liver or bile ducts.
Poor secretion of bile needed to digest fats can lead to digestive disorders, including loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
A decrease in the production of clotting factors made by the liver leads to easy bleeding and bruising, in addition to bleeding gums or nosebleeds and increased menstrual flow in some women.
Doctors emphasize that these symptoms may not appear in the early stages of liver disease because the liver has a remarkable ability to compensate, allowing it to continue functioning even with significant cell damage. Therefore, regular checkups and vigilance regarding any unusual changes remain essential for maintaining liver health.
