Did you know that our body has its own way of communicating with us when something is not right? These are the indications of an underlying medical condition that vary depending on the organs that have been affected. Some symptoms tend to develop slowly as the disease or ailment progresses, while others are abrupt. In this blog, we have elaborated on some common symptoms that may suggest that your liver is not functioning well with the help of experts specialising in liver failure treatment in Gurugram
Itchy skin - Usually perceived to be caused by an underlying dermatological problem, itching or pruritus can also be a sign of a chronic liver problem. As we all know, liver plays a vital role in cleansing our blood of all toxins and chemicals. When the liver is not functioning properly, these tend to accumulate in the bloodstream, giving rise to an overwhelming urge to itch.
The itching can be localised or experienced in different parts of the body. In the majority of cases, the patient might not experience any lesions or rashes, however visible irritation and redness are very common. Common liver conditions that can give rise to the problem include, primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B, primary sclerosing cholangitis and biliary obstructive disease. Experts specialising in liver transplant in India suggest that itching is more commonly seen in people who have an autoimmune life condition.
Spider angiomas - Ever noticed tiny spider-like, red patches on the skin? If your answer is yes, you should definitely see a doctor and get yourself evaluated. Commonly referred to as spider angiomas, these are caused by elevated estrogen levels in the body. One of the important functions of the liver is to metabolise hormones and when the liver is not functioning properly, it leads to build-up of the hormone.
Spider angiomas are most commonly seen in people with cirrhosis, a condition marked by the progressive scarring of the liver. Other conditions that can result in the development of spider angiomas include alcoholic hepatitis and hepatopulmonary syndrome.
Bruising and bleeding - Are you experiencing bruising and bleeding even after mild injuries? The top liver specialists in Gurugram suggest that this could be a sign of liver disease. The production of proteins, that are required for the formation of clots, is regulated by the liver. An unhealthy liver is not able to produce adequate amounts of protein and as such the patient tends to bruise and bleed very easily.
Sleep-related problems - Sleeplessness and insomnia are usually linked to stress but the problems could be an indication of liver disease as well. In fact, patients with existing liver conditions are at a high risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. Wondering how? The liver is responsible for the production and metabolism of important hormones, which if altered, can lead to disturbances in the sleep cycle. This is what happens when the liver is not functioning properly. So, if you have been finding it difficult to fall or stay asleep at night, you should see a doctor immediately.
Swollen feet - When your liver is not functioning well, it can lead to the buildup of fluids in the limbs, especially the legs and feet. This is commonly referred to as oedema and is caused by pressure on the portal vein. It is usually seen in patients with stage 3 of cirrhosis.
All these are signs of liver diseases but experiencing these does not necessarily mean that something is wrong with your liver. So, it is better to see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. To know more about liver diseases and what causes them, consult the experts specialising in liver transplants in India.
Dr. Ankur Garg, Director
Digestive & Liver Diseases, Liver Transplant
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