World Liver Day: 7 Important Signs To Watch Out For That Could Indicate Liver Disease

World Liver Day, created to spread global awareness about the importance of liver health and actions to reduce liver disease, is on the 19th of April. The liver is capable of incredible regeneration, yet it is still prone to diseases and sometimes faces silent damage.

In India, around 38% of Indians suffer from fatty liver or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Notably, this not only affects adults but nearly 35% of children. The reason for NAFLD is consumption of fast food, insufficient intake of healthy fruits and vegetables, and an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. This day is a chance to learn about hidden signs of liver disease so that you can take steps to protect against it.?

7 Signs of a Liver Disease

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1. Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes: The buildup of a substance called bilirubin in your blood can make your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellowish. A change in colour means your liver's function is compromised, as your liver usually processes bilirubin.
2. Fatigue: We all have days of feeling wiped out, but liver-related fatigue is way worse and goes deeper than needing a nap. It can make simple tasks feel like climbing a mountain.
3. Digestive Problems: The entire digestive system can get thrown off when the liver is not functioning. Pay attention to warning signs like bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, changes in stool colour, and loss of appetite.? ? ? ? ? ?

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1. Swelling in Legs and Abdomen: While swelling can have other causes, it is necessary to give it medical attention. Having swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet (oedema) and a swollen, distended abdomen (ascites) can be a sign of advanced liver disease and need specialized treatment.
2. Darker Urine: Everyone knows that not drinking enough fluids leads to darker urine. But when your urine turns a deep yellow, amber, or even brownish colour that doesn't improve with hydration, it could signal liver trouble.
3. Itchy Skin: Itchy skin can drive a person crazy, and when it has no cause, such as a rash or bug bites, it could be your liver sending a message. Many people find liver-related itchiness intensifies at night, making sleep difficult.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss and Muscle Loss: While intentional weight can be good, unexplained weight loss and muscle wasting can be due to underlying health problems, including advanced liver disease.