What Does Liver Pain Feel Like?

Liver disease causes over 2 million deaths in the world. This is mainly because people ignore the early signs of liver damage. If this is left unmanaged, it can lead to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and potentially death.

Liver pain symptoms usually start with a dull ache in the upper right side of the abdomen. If diagnosed early can lead to a good prognosis. With that in mind, keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of liver damage.

Reduced Appetite

The early symptoms of liver disease are often accompanied by nausea, weight loss, and a lack of appetite. The first phase of hepatitis may cause flu-like symptoms, including an unsettled stomach. If you see substantial changes in your GI health, consult a physician.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal discomfort often manifests in the right upper quadrant behind the right ribs. The pain might be throbbing or stabbing, and it could be intermittent.

Abdominal Swelling

This may indicate a liver disorder known as ascites, in which a protein imbalance causes fluid accumulation. Ascites-related swelling resembles a potbelly and often indicates cirrhosis. In other instances, gravity draws this fluid into other body regions, leading to hand and foot swelling.

Persistent Vomiting

As your liver’s ability to filter toxins from your body diminishes, your digestive issues will likely intensify. This implies that nausea or lack of appetite you feel in the first stages might progress to continuous vomiting. If you develop this symptom, it may indicate that your liver damage has worsened.

Bruising

If your liver is injured, it will not create enough clotting proteins, so you may bruise and bleed more easily. Several illnesses might cause excessive bruising, so consult your physician if you see this symptom.

Lethargy

Daily life stress might lead to weakness and exhaustion. However, it is crucial to pay attention to extreme or continuous fatigue. This could indicate low blood oxygen levels or waste buildup owing to impaired liver functioning.

Jaundice

This is one of the most recognizable and alarming indicators of liver impairment. You will see the yellowing of your eyes, skin, urine, or feces.
The discoloration is due to a bilirubin buildup. This occurs when your liver cannot process the yellow pigment effectively.

Itchy Skin

This is also called pruritus and can be an early symptom of liver disease. The itching is often worse at night and might be accompanied by a rash.

Watch Out for the Symptoms of Liver Pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, you must consult a physician as soon as possible. The earlier you catch liver damage, the easier it will be to treat. With proper treatment, you can prevent further damage and improve your prognosis.

Early liver pain often starts with right upper quadrant discomfort, nausea, and reduced appetite. If your skin, eyes, and urine turn yellow, then that usually means a severe form of the disease. For more interesting medical and lifestyle information, check out our blog posts today.