Liver Disease
Liver disease refers to any condition that affects the liver and impairs its function. The liver is a vital organ that performs many crucial tasks, including detoxifying the blood, producing bile for digestion, storing nutrients, and regulating blood clotting. When the liver is damaged, it can lead to various symptoms and complications, some of which can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of Liver Disease
Liver disease symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity but may include:
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and weakness.
- Abdominal Pain and Swelling: Pain in the upper right abdomen; swelling due to fluid accumulation (ascites).
- Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive disturbances.
- Dark Urine: Due to elevated bilirubin.
- Pale Stools: Lack of bile in the stool.
- Itching: Due to bile salt accumulation in the skin.
- Swollen Legs and Ankles: Edema due to fluid retention.
- Easy Bruising and Bleeding: Due to impaired production of clotting factors.
- Loss of Appetite: Leading to weight loss.