( Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad)
Early Signs of Liver Disease Often Overlooked:
The liver performs over 500 vital functions, yet liver problems rarely cause symptoms until the damage becomes severe. As a result, many people miss early warning signs that could prompt earlier treatment and prevention of serious liver disease.
Common Early Signs:
Some early signs of liver issues seem harmless or get blamed on other causes. These overlooked symptoms include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Abdominal discomfort or mild pain
Additional Subtle Hints:
A few other subtle signs may indicate emerging liver problems:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Yellowish skin or eyes
- Itchy skin
- Small red spider veins under the skin
People often assume symptoms like these result from stress, aging, or other health conditions. However, bringing them to a doctor’s attention can reveal liver problems in earlier, more treatable stages.
Tips to Help Prevent Liver Disease
Many types of liver disease stem from controllable lifestyle factors. Making a few key changes can lower your risk:
Avoid toxins – Limit alcohol and unnecessary medications that tax the liver.
Eat healthy – Focus on a nutrient-dense, low-fat, high-fiber diet to maintain a healthy weight.
Get vaccinated – Immunizations for hepatitis A and B can prevent these common viral infections that harm the liver.
Practice safe sex – Using condoms reduces exposures to STDs like hepatitis B and C that inflame liver tissue.
Paying attention to early symptoms and making prevention a priority offers the best chance of protecting your liver over the long term.
Reaching out promptly to a doctor whenever potential issues arise can help safeguard your liver health.
