April 8, 2025 Michelle Schmanski

12 Signs of Liver Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore

Your liver plays a vital role in your health. It works around the clock to process nutrients and filter toxins. It even supports digestion by producing bile. While the liver is a hardy organ, it is also highly susceptible to damage from:

• Infections – Viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis C) and other infections.
• Excessive alcohol use – Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to conditions like alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis.
• Certain medications – Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) in high doses, can harm the liver.
• Chronic conditions – Diseases like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic syndrome can contribute to liver dysfunction.
• Obesity – Excess weight increases the risk of fatty liver disease and liver inflammation.
• Excess fat accumulation – Poor diet and insulin resistance increases the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

The liver doesn’t have pain receptors like other organs. Because of this, damage can progress silently for years before symptoms appear.

When liver disease reaches a more advanced stage, the effects can impact your entire body. Spotting early warning signs can help you get treatment before serious complications arise. Here are 12 signs of liver disease you shouldn’t ignore.

12 Signs of Liver Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore

1. Yellowing of the Eyes and Skin: Liver disease can cause the skin and eyes to turn yellow due to a condition called jaundice. Jaundice occurs when bilirubin levels in the body become too high. It usually happens when liver damage becomes more advanced.
2. Abdominal Pain and Swelling: Liver disease can cause liver enlargement (hepatomegaly). It can also cause increased pressure in abdominal blood vessels. This can lead to pain, bloating, and discomfort, particularly in the upper right abdomen.
3. Easy Bruising or Bleeding: The liver plays an important role in the body’s ability to produce clotting factors to stop bleeding. If it becomes diseased or damaged, there is a higher risk of bleeding or bruising, even with minor injuries.
4. Nausea and Vomiting: Frequent nausea and vomiting can be one of the earliest signs of liver disease. They are usually a response to a buildup of toxic substances the liver can no longer clear.
5. Skin Itching: Liver disease can lead to skin itching due to the accumulation of bile acids in the bloodstream. This can cause an itching sensation in the skin.
6. Dark Urine: Liver disease can cause urine to appear amber, brown, or tea-colored due to excess bilirubin being filtered out by the kidneys.
7. Pale or Clay-Colored Stool: Liver disease can cause stools to appear pale or clay-colored due to reduced bile flow into the intestines. Bile gives stool its normal brown color, so blockages or liver dysfunction can lead to lighter stools.
8. Fatigue: Some people with liver disease experience extreme fatigue or drowsiness, even after adequate sleep.
9. Foot and Ankle Swelling: In its advanced stages, liver disease, like cirrhosis, can cause foot and ankle swelling. This is due to decreased production of a protein called albumin that helps keep fluid inside the blood vessels. When the liver does not make enough albumin, fluid can leak outside the blood vessels and cause swelling in the feet and ankles.
10. Chills: When the liver becomes damaged due to liver disease, toxins build up in the body. This can trigger an immune response, resulting in fever and chills.
11. Sudden and Unexpected Weight Changes: Liver disease can result in weight gain due to fluid in the abdomen called ascites. Weight loss can occur due to the body’s inability to process nutrients from your food effectively.
12. Memory Changes or Confusion: Liver disease in its advanced stages can lead to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, which can ultimately affect the brain. Many people experience memory loss, brain fog, or concentration issues.

Gastroenterologists are Liver Disease Experts

Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating liver diseases. Because liver disease often progresses silently, early detection is crucial. If you notice symptoms like those mentioned above, it’s important to see a gastroenterologist. They can assess your liver function, diagnose your condition, and recommend treatment.

If you’re concerned about your liver health, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment today!

Request Appointment

Related:

• Fatty Liver Disease Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
• What is Fatty Liver Disease and How Can You Avoid It?