Identifying the Warning Signs of Fatty Liver Disease (Symptoms)

With an estimated 80 to 100 million people in the United States alone suffering from some form of liver disease, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of fatty liver disease. While this disease is often seen as something that primarily affects alcoholics, fatty liver disease can also affect non-alcoholics. As a result, knowing what symptoms to look for and how to take action if necessary can help ensure a person’s overall health.

In this article, we will discuss what symptoms of fatty liver diease to watch out for, why early detection is important, and steps that can be taken to combat the disease.

Abdominal Pain

The primary symptom of fatty liver disease is the distinct abdominal pain (sometimes a feeling of indigestion) located in the upper right side of the abdomen. This pain is always seen as an indicator of a severe liver condition.

It can also cause a different kind of stomach trouble…

Nausea

Nausea and [eventual] vomiting are likewise considered early symptoms of liver problems or diseases, specifically fatty liver disease. Nausea, in particular, is the body’s reaction to excess waste products that the liver could no longer eliminate.

Slowly your snacking habits may start to decrease…

Loss Of Appetite

Having problems with the liver can also negatively affect a person’s digestive system and eventually one’s appetite for food. As a result, nutrition becomes dismal and leaves the body weakened.

This next symptom isn’t the kind of drop you want to have…

Drastic Weight Loss

Weight loss is also common among people suffering from fatty liver disease since the body cannot absorb nutrients properly or barely at all. However, one might still gain weight in some cases due to the fat buildup slowing down metabolism.

It can make you go red in some places…

Bleeding

In some instances, patients with fatty liver disease report experiencing nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and even bloody excrement. These usually appear early on and are also considered as signs of possible liver problems.

Being uncomfortable in your skin takes on a whole new level…

Itchy Skin

According to a study made by Japanese researchers, while a rare symptom, persistent itching could cause problems for some people with chronic liver disease. Said itching can be uncomfortable and even disrupt sleep.

If that was bad enough, get a load of this…

Jaundice

When fatty liver disease progresses into full-blown cirrhosis, some patients tend to develop jaundice or the yellowing of the skin and the sclera (whites of the eyes) due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the liver.

Some things tend to “swell” out of proportion…

Edema

Swelling in the abdomen (ascites), legs, ankles, and feet is caused by fluid buildup and the liver’s decreased protein production and is likewise considered a symptom of advanced cirrhosis.

These symptoms can do quite a beating on the body…

Fatigue

Constant fatigue is a frequent problem among people with liver problems, especially those in their advanced stages. This, in turn, affects their quality of life, effectively restricting them from their usual activities and hobbies.

But it’s not just the physical that gets fatigued…

Mental Exhaustion

Aside from bodily fatigue, some fatty liver disease patients tend to experience mental health problems like depression, anxiety, concentration and decision-making problems, and even self-esteem issues due to the disease’s impact on one’s physical features.