One of your body's most important organs, the liver produces vital proteins, aids in digestion, and detoxifies toxic substances. Despite its importance, liver health is often overlooked until a serious issue arises. Regular liver test can help identify potential problems early, ensuring you take timely action to protect your health. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 warning signs that indicate you may need a liver blood test.
Feeling constantly tired or fatigued, even after getting adequate rest, could indicate liver dysfunction. The liver plays a key role in energy production by processing nutrients from food. When it’s not functioning properly, you may experience unrelenting fatigue.
Jaundice occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin, a substance processed by the liver. Yellowing of the skin or eyes is a classic warning sign of liver issues, such as hepatitis or bile duct obstruction.
Sudden and unexplained weight loss can be linked to liver problems. Conditions like cirrhosis or liver cancer may impact your body’s ability to metabolize nutrients, leading to unintended weight loss.
Changes in the color of your urine or stools are often early signs of liver trouble. Dark urine can indicate excess bilirubin in the bloodstream, while pale stools suggest a problem with bile production.
Pain or swelling in the upper right side of your abdomen can signal liver inflammation or enlargement. This discomfort is a common symptom of conditions like fatty liver disease or hepatitis.
Frequent nausea or vomiting may point to liver issues, as the organ is responsible for filtering toxins. When the liver’s function is impaired, toxins can accumulate, leading to these symptoms.
Persistent itching, especially without a clear cause, might be related to liver problems. This occurs when bile salts build up in the bloodstream due to a malfunctioning liver.
Edema, or fluid retention in the legs or ankles, can happen when the liver does not make enough albumin or other proteins that control the body's fluid balance.
A damaged liver may struggle to produce clotting factors, leading to frequent or unexplained bruising and bleeding. This is a serious sign that warrants immediate medical attention.