What are early signs of liver disease? - #12322
I am really worried about my health these days. About a month ago, I started feeling super tired all the time, like I just can’t shake it off. I’ve also noticed my skin sometimes looks kinda yellowish, and my eyes have a slightly yellow tint too, which freaks me out! I mentioned it to my friend who’s into health stuff, and she said those could be early signs of liver disease. Now I'm freaking out about what that means! I don’t drink excessively or anything, but I've had a couple of weight fluctuations and my appetite’s been all over the place—sometimes I can’t eat anything, and other times, I’m starving. I also feel this odd discomfort in the upper right side of my stomach every now and then, and I can't tell if it’s just anxiety or if I'm really sensing something is wrong. What are early signs of liver disease, really? I mean, I googled it and saw stuff like swelling in the abdomen and dark urine, but I don’t have those right now... Is it possible for symptoms to just kinda creep up? I’m so lost here and don’t wanna ignore anything serious. Is it time to just go see a doctor or is my body overreacting? Like, realistically, what are early signs of liver disease that I should be looking for, or do some symptoms not show up until it’s too late? Ahhh, any thoughts would be super helpful!
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Doctors’ responses
Fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and upper right abdominal discomfort can be concerning signs suggesting possible liver issues. These symptoms might indeed indicate early liver disease, such as hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, among others. Jaundice, which is the yellow tint you’re seeing, occurs due to an accumulation of bilirubin, a substance the liver normally processes. The discomfort in your abdomen could result from liver inflammation or enlargement. While you mentioned not experiencing dark urine or abdominal swelling yet, these can also develop later as liver issues progress. The symptoms can be subtle initially and gradually become more apparent, which is why it’s essential to not overlook them. Coupled with your fatigue and appetite changes, it’s reasonable to be concerned. Since there are multiple underlying causes for liver problems and it can be difficult to distinguish them, seeing a physician is a prudent step. They may recommend liver function tests—simple blood tests that can help assess how well your liver is working. They might also order imaging studies like an ultrasound to get a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your body. Timely diagnosis and management are crucial to avoid complications. The fact that you’re noticing these symptoms and considering them seriously is good and visiting a healthcare provider can clarify what’s behind your symptoms. Also, while online searches can be informative, it’s important to remember that they can sometimes lead to unnecessary worry or provide misleading information. A professional evaluation will provide a more accurate assessment.
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