Warning signs of real liver problems
The liver is one of the most important organs that help digest food and rid the body of toxic substances.
According to Dr. Prashant Shinde, Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, liver problems can be caused by a variety of factors such as viruses, alcohol abuse, obesity and genetic issues.
According to the Indian Express, “Over time, conditions that damage this organ can lead to scarring (cirrhosis), which in turn can cause liver failure, a life-threatening condition.
But early treatment may give the liver time to heal.
On the occasion of World Liver Day (on the 19th of this month), Dr. Shinde lists four of the most common signs of liver failure and possible treatments.
1- fluid retention
According to the doctor, this is the most common sign of liver disease, seen in 50 percent of people with cirrhosis, a condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue.
Fluid buildup may cause “flatulence or swelling in your legs.”
“This occurs when high blood pressure develops in the veins of the liver or when the liver is unable to produce the protein albumin that prevents leakage from the bloodstream into the tissues.”
Treatment options: A low-sodium diet may help relieve mild fluid retention.
For moderate to severe retention, your doctor may prescribe diuretics, known as "urine pills."
Severe cases often call for a paracentesis, using a needle to drain the abdominal fluid.
2- jaundice
It causes darker urine, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
It happens when bilirubin, a pigment that forms when red blood cells break down, builds up in the bloodstream.
A healthy liver absorbs bilirubin and turns it into bile.
Treatment options: Jaundice is one of the signs of liver failure.
If you have it, your doctor may evaluate you for a liver transplant depending on the cause.
3- Bleeding
Dr. Shinde says the liver typically circulates about 25% of the blood from the portal vein.
But cirrhosis creates an opportunity for bleeding.
The patient may vomit blood or notice blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.
“The flow through the liver is usually like driving down a highway - it's fast.
But, when you have cirrhosis, that highway, due to the scarring, becomes a bumpy road.
As a result, the blood tries to find the coils that sends it to the enlarged spleen as it tries to relieve the congestion.
Varicose veins may develop in the esophagus and stomach.
A healthy liver produces clotting proteins.
But a sick liver can not.
The enlarged spleen collects platelets from the bloodstream.
A low platelet count makes you more prone to nosebleeds and bleeding gums.”
Treatment options: The standard treatment is the laxative lactulose.
It binds to toxins in the colon and expels them before they reach the bloodstream.
The next level is liver transplantation.
Tips to maintain a healthy liver:
Exercise at least five times a week for at least 30 minutes.
Follow a healthy diet that is low in refined sugar, processed foods, sweets, soft drinks, and refined carbohydrates.
Choose fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in fiber.
Avoid alcohol.
Maintain a healthy weight.
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