signs of chronic liver disease - #14553
I am really worried because I've been feeling off for a while now and trying to make sense of it. A couple of months ago, I started noticing some strange things like my skin getting yellowish and having this constant fatigue, which I thought was just me being busy with work and everything. But then, out of nowhere, I began having these weird cravings for salty stuff which felt odd, and I've noticed my stomach feels kinda swollen? I did some research and I saw that these could be signs of chronic liver disease, but I don’t know if I’m overreacting or if it’s something serious. I went to a doctor who did some blood tests and they said my liver enzymes were elevated but didn’t say much else. Now I'm sitting here freaking out about what the signs of chronic liver disease could really mean. I mean, I don’t drink much alcohol, my diet is pretty balanced, but could it still be liver stuff? What other signs of chronic liver disease should I be looking for? Should I push my doctor for more specific tests or are my symptoms not that concerning? I've even started reading about liver health and it's kinda scary. Just really need some advice!
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Doctors’ responses
Your symptoms do appear concerning, particularly the yellowing of the skin, known as jaundice, and the fatigue. These can indeed be signs of chronic liver disease, among other conditions. Elevated liver enzymes indicate some form of liver stress or damage, which needs careful evaluation. Other symptoms to watch for include dark urine, pale stools, itching, loss of appetite, easy bruising, and fluid retention in the abdomen (ascites), which might explain your swollen stomach. Given your symptoms and the elevated liver enzymes, it would be prudent to follow up with your doctor. You should discuss further diagnostic testing, like an abdominal ultrasound or more specific blood tests such as a hepatitis panel or tests for autoimmune liver diseases. It’s essential to determine the underlying cause, whether it’s viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, autoimmune conditions or other liver disorders. Even if you don’t drink much alcohol or have a generally healthy lifestyle, these conditions can still occur. Your doctor might also recommend lifestyle adjustments, such as a specific diet or medications to manage symptoms and protect liver function. If any symptoms worsen or you experience new ones like confusion or severe abdominal pain, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Chronic liver issues demand prompt investigation and management to prevent progression to more serious complications.
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