The liver, the second largest organ in the body, is located just below the right rib cage. It plays a vital role in digesting food and eliminating toxins.

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Huyen Van, a First-Degree Specialist Doctor in Gastroenterology at the Endoscopy and Laparoscopic Digestive Surgery Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, states that liver disease refers to any condition that can affect or damage the liver. If not detected and treated promptly, scar tissue can gradually replace healthy tissue, risking progression to cirrhosis, which prevents the liver from functioning normally.

Liver disease often progresses silently, making early detection crucial. Dr. Van highlights several common signs that can help identify potential liver issues.

Fatigue is a very common symptom, often overlooked as it can be linked to work, stress, or lack of sleep. However, prolonged fatigue lasting many weeks, accompanied by reduced energy, morning sluggishness, and excessive but unrefreshing sleep, may signal hepatitis, fatty liver, or early cirrhosis.

Dr. Van consults a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Skin issues such as itching, hives, and acne often occur due to primary biliary cirrhosis (where bile ducts become inflamed and blocked) or primary sclerosing cholangitis (an autoimmune liver disorder). It is important to note that not all itching indicates liver disease, as it can sometimes be related to allergies. Liver-related itching typically presents as a dull, burning sensation, is persistent, and worsens at night, often accompanied by fatigue, jaundice, and dark urine.

Dark urine can be a sign of an inflamed or damaged liver. When the liver is compromised, bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down, increases and is excreted through urine. This can cause urine to appear dark yellow or even cola-colored. If an individual drinks enough water and maintains a healthy diet but their urine remains dark or deep yellow, they should seek medical attention to rule out liver damage or bile duct obstruction.

Bloating, loss of appetite, and nausea are often dismissed due to their vague and non-specific nature. Liver damage can impact the digestive process, leading to a feeling of fullness, indigestion, reduced food intake, nausea, and potential weight loss. Persistent or progressively worsening symptoms may indicate chronic hepatitis or advanced fatty liver disease.

A dull pain or heavy sensation in the right upper quadrant can be associated with hepatitis, fatty liver, liver capsule distension due to congestion, or liver tumors. This pain, though not severe, is often persistent and may intensify when bending over or after meals. It warrants examination through ultrasound or blood tests. Accompanying symptoms can include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, indigestion, and rapid weight loss. As the disease progresses, individuals may also experience jaundice, yellowing of the eyes, and changes in urine color.

Changes in stool color are a common sign of liver disease, particularly those involving bile duct obstruction. Normally, bile salts released by the liver give stool its yellowish color. If the liver does not produce enough bile, or if the bile ducts are inflamed or irritated, blocking the flow of bile to the intestines, the stool may become pale.

Given that liver disease often progresses without obvious symptoms in its early stages, Dr. Van recommends regular health check-ups to detect any damage promptly. Individuals experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms should consult a doctor for diagnosis and timely treatment.

Bao Tram