AskDocDoc
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Digestive Health
Question #12056
45 days ago
91

Liver side pain - #12056

Advika

I am really worried about this liver side pain I've been having for the past few weeks. At first, I thought it was just some random cramping and didn’t think much of it. But, the pain is getting worse, like a dull ache that sometimes sharpens, and it’s mostly on my right side, just under my ribs. I tried to ignore it, ya know, thinking maybe I just slept funny or something, but it didn’t go away. Last week, I started feeling a bit nauseous too, which is kinda freaking me out. And then, on Saturday, I was at a BBQ and had a couple of beers, and I swear the liver side pain got worse after that – maybe not the best idea, huh? I’ve had some blood work done, and my doctor mentioned my liver enzymes were slightly elevated, but that was a few days ago and they didn’t seem too concerned. It’s just hard not to panic about what might be going on, especially with the liver side pain. It’s like, is this normal? Should I be looking into diet changes or something? Or, like, do I need an ultrasound or more tests? Ugh, why can’t I just understand what is going on? Has anyone else dealt with liver side pain like this? I'd love to hear your thoughts or experiences!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

Liver side pain such as you’re describing can indeed be concerning, particularly with the added symptoms of nausea and worsened pain after alcohol consumption. These can suggest inflammation or irritation of the liver, possibly due to conditions like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or even gallbladder issues, which often occurs after consuming alcohol or fatty meals. Your doctor’s comment about slightly elevated liver enzymes is relevant, as it points towards some liver stress or damage. While your enzymes being only slightly elevated can sometimes mean that there’s no severe damage yet, they can combine with your symptoms to suggest that further investigation might be needed.

An ultrasound of the liver can be a useful next step in providing more detail about the liver’s condition and identifying potential causes of the pain, such as liver enlargement, fat deposition (steatosis), or gallstones. Make sure to discuss this possibility with your healthcare provider. In terms of lifestyle changes, reducing or eliminating alcohol intake is highly recommended, as alcohol can exacerbate liver issues. Adopt a balanced diet that’s low in saturated fats and rich in fruits and vegetables. Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial too.

If you experience any severe symptoms, like jaundice, extreme abdominal pain, significant fatigue, or vomiting, it would be wise to seek medical attention promptly. These can be signs of more advanced liver conditions. Remember that while shared experiences can be informative, they advice of a healthcare provider who is familiar with your specific medical history is most important to accurately assess your situation and guide your treatment strategy.

5751 answered questions
74% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions