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How do you know if you have metabolic liver disease?

  • Joel Lavine
  • May 12, 2023
  • 4 min read

Introduction


Metabolic liver disease, also called metabolic liver disease, is a group of conditions that affect how the liver usually works because of problems with metabolism. These illnesses can be mild or very bad, and they can significantly affect a person's general health. It is essential to know the signs of metabolic liver disease so that it can be found early and treated correctly. In this piece, we'll discuss some of the most common symptoms of metabolic liver disease.


Tiredness and being weak


One of the most common signs of metabolic liver disease is feeling tired and weak. The liver is significant because it turns food into energy and stores glycogen, a fuel backup. If the liver has a chemical problem, it won't be able to do these things as well as it should. Because of this, people may constantly feel tired, have no energy, and feel weak in general.



Abdominal Discomfort


Symptoms of metabolic liver disease often show up in the abdomen. People may feel pain, stiffness, or fullness in the upper right side of their belly, where the liver is. This pain might come with bloating, feeling sick, or throwing up. When you do a physical check, you can handle a too-big liver.


Jaundice


Jaundice is a typical sign of many liver diseases, including metabolic liver disease, affecting the liver's work. It causes the skin and eyes to turn yellow because of increased bilirubin, a yellow pigment made when red blood cells break down. When the liver can't get rid of bilirubin properly, it builds up in the body and makes the person look yellow. People with jaundice may have dark urine and pale stools.


Weight loss and not being hungry


Metabolic liver disease can make people lose weight and eat less because it affects their metabolism and nutrition. The liver is essential for breaking down and taking in nutrients from our food. When it's not working right, it's harder to absorb nutrients, which can cause weight loss and a loss of hunger. Also, bloating and stomach pain can make it hard to eat.


Liver problems can throw off the body's fluid balance, which can cause fluid buildup and swelling. This is called edema. Most often, this happens in the knees, feet, and stomach. Because the liver isn't working well, it can't make as much albumin, a protein that helps keep fluid balance. Without enough albumin, fluid builds up in the tissues, causing them to swell and hurt.


Mental confusion and trouble thinking clearly


Hepatic encephalopathy is a situation that can happen when metabolic liver disease gets worse. This disease is marked by mental confusion, trouble thinking changes in behavior, and the worst cases, death. Because the liver isn't working right, toxins like ammonia build up in the bloodstream. This hurts the brain and causes these neurological symptoms.


Changes in the skin and easy bruising


The liver partly makes clotting factors, which help stop bleeding. In metabolic liver disease, the liver's ability to synthesize these clotting factors is compromised, leading to easy bruising and prolonged bleeding. People may also notice changes in their skin, such as itching, dryness, or the growth of spider angiomas, which are small blood vessels that look like spider legs.


Conclusion


Metabolic liver disease is a group of illnesses that can significantly affect how the liver works and your health. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these illnesses is essential for early identification and proper treatment. Some of the most critical signs of metabolic liver disease are fatigue, stomach pain, redness, weight loss, fluid retention, mental confusion, skin changes, and being easily bruised. It's important to remember that not everyone will have the same symptoms, and the symptoms can change based on the disorder and how it worsens.


If you or someone you know has chronic liver-related complaints, you must see a doctor for the correct diagnosis. A doctor will do a full review, which could include a physical exam, blood tests, imaging studies, and possibly a liver biopsy, to find out what's causing the symptoms.


To stop further liver damage and other problems, metabolic liver disease needs to be found and treated quickly and correctly. They were getting the word out about these diseases, their signs, and the need for regular medical checkups, especially for people with a history of liver disease in their family or other risk factors.


In the end, metabolic liver disease can cause several signs affecting other parts of a person's health. Fatigue, stomach pain, redness, weight loss, fluid retention, mental uncertainty, skin changes, and easy bruises are some key signs to be aware of. If you or someone you know has these signs, you should see a doctor immediately. Remember that early discovery, identification, and the right way to treat people with fatty liver disease are essential for better results and quality of life.


Different kinds of metabolic liver disease can be treated differently, depending on the condition and severity. Changes to your food and how much weight you carry around may be suggested in some cases. Medication can treat symptoms, help the liver work better, or deal with consequences. A liver transplant may be an excellent way to treat the disease in severe cases.


 
 
 

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