AskDocDoc
/
/
/
symptoms of liver malfunction
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
General Health
Question #14254
11 days ago
45

symptoms of liver malfunction - #14254

Ishita

I am trying to figure out what the symptoms of liver malfunction really are because I’ve been feeling really off lately. It all started a few months ago with this weird fatigue that just wouldn’t go away, and then my stomach started acting up too. Like, I would have these episodes where I felt super nauseous, and honestly, it freaks me out! I went to my doctor last week and mentioned my tiredness and nausea. He did some blood tests and said my liver enzymes were slightly elevated but didn’t say much else. Now I keep googling symptoms of liver malfunction and I'm getting overwhelmed by all the info out there. Can anyone tell me more about the common symptoms of liver malfunction? I’ve read about yellowing skin which sounds serious, but I'm not experiencing that at least. My appetite’s kinda fluctuating, and I also get itchy sometimes, which I saw listed as one of the symptoms of liver malfunction. Is that really a thing? I'm having some anxiety over this whole situation, and it'd be great to hear if others had mild symptoms of liver malfunction that got worse or stayed the same. What should I keep an eye out for? Any insight would help me a ton!

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 malfunction can manifest through a range of symptoms and understanding these can indeed be daunting. Common signs include persistent fatigue, which you’re already experiencing, along with nausea. These often result from the liver’s reduced capacity to clear toxins and produce vital substances your body needs. An impaired liver might also lead to poor digestion, causing symptoms like abdominal discomfort or fullness, similar to what you’ve described. The episodes of fluctuating appetite can be connected as well. While not everyone with liver issues experiences jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, it is indeed a classic and more specific symptom when liver function becomes significantly compromised. Itchy skin can also be associated with liver problems, typically when bile flow is obstructed, causing a buildup of bile salts in the bloodstream. It’s good that your doctor is already investigating the situation with blood tests, as elevated liver enzymes can serve as an early sign of distress. When it comes to monitoring your symptoms, significant weight loss or gain without trying, dark urine, pale stools, or swelling in the legs and abdomen might be more worrying indicators you’d want to report to your healthcare provider promptly. If you ever notice these or a sudden intensification of any of your current symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical follow-up. Keep track of your symptoms, noting what triggers them or makes them better or worse, and discuss these findings with your doctor. They might do additional tests like imaging studies or more comprehensive blood work, depending on your symptoms’ evolution. While the online information about liver malfunction can be overwhelming, focusing on how your symptoms change over time with professional guidance can be the best strategy for managing your health effectively.

5019 answered questions
68% 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