Your liver is a critical organ responsible for several metabolic functions, such as converting nutrients from your diet. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell the signs and symptoms when it has complications. For example, some individuals struggling with liver disease Anchorage have failed to notice its signs early, causing the condition to worsen. Detecting signs early is crucial to minimize the possibilities of liver cancer and liver failure. The following are some surprising signs and symptoms of liver disease you need to know.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a common symptom that occurs from consuming alcohol. When you have this symptom, your skin and eyes’ white develop a yellow or brown hue. Jaundice occurs due to a bile pigment build-up in the bloodstream because your liver cannot eliminate the waste product effectively. Fortunately, you do not have to worry because your doctor can treat the causes of it. For example, the doctor can give you cholestyramine to ease itching if it is troublesome.
Fluid Retention
Fluid retention is a popular sign of a damaged liver you need to know. In some cases, scar tissues can accumulate in the liver, preventing effective blood flow via the liver. In return, your liver fails to function sufficiently, causing fluid build-up in the ascites and ankle and leg swelling.
Swollen Ankles
Swollen ankles cause your abdomen to start swelling. It occurs in the form of recollected fluid in the ankle, legs, and feet. This issue occurs because the damaged liver fails to produce and circulate sufficient proteins. As a result, you begin to experience circulatory problems in the lower extremities because fluid flows downward due to gravity.
Pale Stools
A normal, dark stool result from bile salts your liver releases. Therefore, if you have a pale stool, your liver may be having problems. When your stool turns lighter, the urine appears dark because of build-up leading to jaundice. Besides, tarry and tarry stools can indicate damaged liver resulting from blood passing via the digestive system. You should consult your doctor immediately if you experience blood in your stool.
Sleep Disturbance
If you have liver cirrhosis, you will likely experience difficulty sleeping, mainly during the day. Another problem is insomnia, including difficulty falling asleep and sleep-wake inversion. Furthermore, you are likely to have obstructive sleep apnea. Usually, since the toxins accumulate in the blood sleep cycle is disturbed; there is a high chance of going into a coma.
Blood Vomiting
During the progressed stages of cirrhosis, you vomit blood since blood cannot flow properly in the liver. As a result, increased pressure in the veins is responsible for carrying blood to the liver from the gut. Varicose veins bleeding in the stomach and esophagus are the most popular root of blood in vomit. You should inform your healthcare provider immediately for early examination and treatment of liver damage.
If left untreated, liver disease can be dangerous, leading to liver failure and cancer. If you have been experiencing signs like pale stool and swollen ankles, consult Pioneer GI Clinic in Anchorage, Alaska, for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. The center comprises skilled and passionate specialists offering cutting-edge treatment to enhance the quality of your life. Call the Anchorage office or request an online appointment today to get started.