Liver 6 signs and symptoms of liver failure you shouldn't ignore

The liver plays vital roles in our bodies such as detoxification, storage and synthesis. As such, it is only wise to ensure that the liver is always in good condition.

When the liver fails, many other processes stop in the body given that we only have one liver unlike the kidneys.

Always be on the look out for these early signs and symptoms of liver failure:

1. Fatigue

Although fatigue is associated with many other diseases, it is one of the most common signs of liver disease. If you are always feeling tired both physically and mentally, it could be a sign of liver problem and you should see a doctor for diagnosis.

2. Nausea

We all know that feeling of the urge to vomit and it can be quite disturbing if the liver has a problem. It is one of the early signs of liver disease that you should never ignore. The feeling arises from the body’s inability to process and eliminate toxins.

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3. Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition that leads to yellowing of the skin and the eyes. The liver is responsible for processing bilirubin, a yellowish substance in the blood. When it is damaged, it is unable to process the bilirubin leading to its accumulation hence the yellowing.

4. Swelling

The liver detoxifies the body and when it is damaged, fluids can be retained in some parts of the body such as the legs and the abdomen leading to swelling.

5. Urine changes

The color of the urine may also change due to the presence of excess toxins in it. Although dark urine can result from other things including a change in diet, it is one of the telltales of liver damage. Bilirubin is supposed to be processed by the liver then excreted through the kidneys. When this does not happen, the urine changes to dark yellow or dark brown and can also have a pungent smell.

6. Constipation

Liver failure affects bowel movements which in return leads to constipation. The swelling and hardening of the lower abdomen makes it difficult to pass the stool. The color of the stool also changes and there can be blood traces in it.