AskDocDoc
/
/
/
What causes liver weakness?
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Digestive Health
Question #12339
46 days ago
75

What causes liver weakness? - #12339

Aadhyant

I am feeling really lost right now. My dad just got diagnosed with some liver issues and the doctor mentioned something about liver weakness. Like, what causes liver weakness? I mean, he’s always been pretty healthy, watches his diet, and exercises more than I do! But then out of nowhere, he's complaining about fatigue and some weird pain in his upper right abdomen. The tests came back with elevated liver enzymes, which sounds bad, and I can’t help but think, what causes liver weakness in someone who seemed so fine? I have read a few articles online but they all talk about alcohol and obesity, which is just not my dad at all! I'm worried there might be something else going on that we don’t know about. Is it just age or could there be other things at play that are sneaking up on him? Like, if it’s genetic or if certain medications could be involved, I have no idea. I guess what I'm really asking is, what causes liver weakness, especially in people who appear to be on the healthier side?? It just feels so overwhelming and confusing! What do we need to look out for moving forward?

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 weakness, despite a healthy lifestyle, can certainly be perplexing. It’s important to recognize that a variety of factors, beyond lifestyle, can affect liver health. While alcohol and obesity are common causes, other conditions can also contribute. Genetic factors sometimes play a role, pre-disposing individuals to liver issues despite healthy habits. Conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) might arise due to metabolic disorders, which could be genetic or lifestyle-related. Further, your Dad’s medications might also be a factor. Some drugs can affect liver enzymes, causing hepatotoxicity. You might want a full list of your Dad’s medications checked for potential liver-related side effects. Hepatitis is another possibility. Viral infections, like hepatitis B or C, can affect liver function, often without immediate symptoms. Make sure to rule these out with specific blood tests. Autoimmune liver diseases might lead to similar symptoms where the body’s immune system attacks liver cells – these would require specialized tests to diagnose. Also, keep in mind, age can be a factor, but usually in conjunction with other variables. Regular monitoring of liver enzymes, following your doctor’s advice, and seeking any specific tests they recommend should be part of the plan. Additionally, further imaging or a liver biopsy might be suggested if the cause remains unclear. It’s crucial to follow up with a hepatologist who can provide insights into specific testing or monitoring based on your Dad’s condition.

6047 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