What are the early signs of liver damage?

Hello, I'm a healthcare professional with a focus on internal medicine. I'm here to help you understand the early signs of liver damage. Early signs of liver damage can be subtle and may not be noticeable until the liver has sustained significant injury. However, as the damage progresses, the following symptoms may become apparent: 1. Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the buildup of bilirubin, a waste product that the liver processes. 2. Abdominal pain and swelling: Pain or a feeling of fullness under the lower ribs on the right side, where the liver is located. 3. Swelling in the legs and ankles: Accumulation of fluid due to the liver's decreased ability to produce proteins that regulate fluid balance. 4. Itchy skin: Can be a result of the liver's inability to process certain chemicals that contribute to itching. 5. Dark urine color: The liver may not be properly processing bilirubin, leading to darker than usual urine. 6. Pale stool color: This can be a sign that the liver is not producing enough bile to process fat, which affects stool color. 7. Bloody or tar-colored stool: This could indicate internal bleeding, which can be a sign of liver disease. 8. Chronic fatigue: Feeling tired all the time with no clear cause can be an early sign of many health issues, including liver problems. 9. Nausea or vomiting: These symptoms can occur when the liver is not processing toxins effectively. It's important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other health conditions, so it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Signs and symptoms of liver disease include:Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)Abdominal pain and swelling.Swelling in the legs and ankles.Itchy skin.Dark urine color.Pale stool color, or bloody or tar-colored stool.Chronic fatigue.Nausea or vomiting.More items...