Introduction
Living with liver disease can be a difficult and challenging experience. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, from fatigue and nausea to jaundice and abdominal pain. But what does it really feel like to have liver disease? To get a better understanding, we spoke with Dr. David Bernstein, a hepatologist and professor of medicine at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, to learn more about the physical and emotional effects of liver disease. In this article, we’ll explore what liver disease feels like, the common symptoms, and how to manage them.
Here’s What Liver Disease Feels Like, Says Hepatologist
Liver disease can be a debilitating and life-threatening condition, but it can also be difficult to diagnose. That’s why it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of liver disease, and to know when to seek medical help. To help us better understand the condition, we spoke to Dr. David Bernstein, a hepatologist at Northwell Health in New York, to get his take on what liver disease feels like.
What Are the Symptoms of Liver Disease?
According to Dr. Bernstein, the most common symptoms of liver disease are fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, and dark urine. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and itching. In some cases, people may also experience confusion, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood.
What Causes Liver Disease?
Liver disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, alcohol abuse, and certain medications. It can also be caused by inherited conditions, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease. In some cases, the cause of liver disease is unknown.
How Is Liver Disease Diagnosed?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of liver disease, it is important to see your doctor. Your doctor will likely order blood tests to check for elevated liver enzymes, as well as imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
How Is Liver Disease Treated?
The treatment for liver disease depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol consumption or avoiding certain medications may be enough to improve symptoms. In other cases, medications or surgery may be necessary. In some cases, a liver transplant may be the only option.
What Can I Do to Prevent Liver Disease?
The best way to prevent liver disease is to avoid risk factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, viral infections, and certain medications. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
As a gastroenterologist and hepatologist in Beverly Hills, I’ve seen just about everything in terms of liver health and problems. The liver is your largest internal organ and performs a wide range of important functions to maintain your health.
The liver filters toxins from your blood, produces bile which aids in digestion (by helping to metabolize fat) and is excreted with feces, produces proteins and aids in amino acid metabolism, and stores certain vitamins and minerals for the body.
To simplify: your liver helps you digest food, store energy, and remove toxins. Maintaining a healthy liver will have a significant impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Read on to find out the causes and symptoms of liver disease—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
What Are the Causes of Liver Disease?
Liver diseases are numerous and varied. Here are some of the causes of various liver diseases. Please note that they may be interconnected and that certain exacerbating factors (such as a family history of liver disease or a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption) may increase the risk of other kinds of liver disease as well. Read on to read about the causes of liver disease.
- Toxins
- Drugs, poisons, or too much alcohol can cause fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and many other conditions.
- Viral infections
- Eating or drinking contaminated food (Hepatitis A).
- Unprotected sex or drug use (Hepatitis B).
- Exposure to contaminated blood via shared needles, contaminated blood transfusions (Hepatitis C).
- Autoimmune disease (your body attacking your liver)
- Autoimmune hepatitis leading to other disorders and even liver failure
- Primary biliary cholangitis
- Genetically inherited liver problems
- Hemochromatosis
- Hyperoxaluria
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin
- Cancer
- Can come from a different area such as a lung, colon, or breast and spread to the liver.
- Cancer that starts in the liver itself may be caused by hepatitis or excessive drinking.
What are the Major Signs of Liver Disease?
- Symptoms of belly pain on the right side
- Bruising easily.
- Noticeable urine and/or stool color changes
- Tiredness.
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Edema (swelling of the arms or legs)
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)
What Should You Do if You Notice These Signs?
Generally, if you are experiencing any changes in your body, such as swelling in the abdomen or difficulty with urination, or bruising easily, blood and urine tests as well as imaging studies can assist in diagnosing liver disease.
Speaking with your primary care doctor if you notice these things can ensure that you get the necessary tests for the most likely problems. Following that, you would likely be referred to a hepatologist if there is a strong indication that you are dealing with a liver condition. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Dr. Tabib is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at UCLA.
Siamak Tabib