Liver diseases: causes, types, symptoms and prevention. The most important signs of liver disease that cannot be missed Liver disease causes, treatment

The need for normal functioning of the liver for the functioning of the entire body is undeniable. Diseases of this organ sometimes begin and develop progressively, all signs of pathology are clearly expressed and even diagnosis does not present difficulties for a specialist. But in some cases, even serious liver diseases have a vague clinical picture and patients simply do not seek medical help for a long time. What signs of liver disease should alert both the patient and the doctor?

Skin with liver diseases

An experienced doctor will definitely examine the patient’s skin – most often, changes in their appearance will “tell” the doctor about the development of liver disease. In some cases, however, pathologies in this organ occur without any manifestations on the skin, but this happens extremely rarely.

Skin changes that may indicate liver disease:

In addition, when examining a patient, doctors can identify dry skin, cracks in the corners of the mouth, a crimson color of the tongue, spontaneously appearing bruises for no good reason - all this is also evidence of liver disease. In some cases, the doctor will immediately notice swollen, swollen veins located along the abdominal wall away from the navel.

Indigestion

Since the liver is an organ of the gastrointestinal tract, developing pathologies in it will certainly provoke disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system. Patients will complain of:

Note:A sweet smell often appears from the patient’s mouth - this may indicate increasing liver failure: the condition is very serious and can lead to serious consequences. Pain in the right with the development of liver disease rarely appears; more often it indicates pathology in the gallbladder and its ducts.

Some patients complain of increased abdominal volume and growing waist circumference - this occurs when fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity.

Hormonal shifts

Similar signs of liver disease are more often present in men during the development of alcoholic and/or viral diseases. It has been scientifically proven that excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages can provoke a “mutation” of male hormones - they transform into female ones. And in this case, the following signs will be identified:

breast enlargement;
severe testicular atrophy;
libido disappears;
hair type changes.

With the development of primary biliary cirrhosis, an increase in parathyroid hormone levels may occur. In this case, the patient will receive the following complaints:

sudden bone fractures of a spontaneous nature;
pain in the bones;
deformations of flat bones.

Note:If a person has any chronic liver pathology (for example, hepatic steanosis), then diabetes mellitus very often develops against this background.

Nervous system disorders

Psychosis is unlikely to develop in a patient with liver disease, but some disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system may occur. These include:

increased fatigue;
sleep disturbance - insomnia at night, drowsiness during the day;
changes in the patient’s handwriting – this is due to constant trembling of the fingers;
constant general weakness;
memory impairment.

Note:in especially severe cases (for example, with rapidly progressing liver failure), there may be epileptic seizures and loss of consciousness.

Decreased blood clotting

Frequent spontaneous bleeding is often a sign of liver disease. We are talking about excessive menstrual bleeding, the presence of blood in the stool, and the appearance of blood discharge from the gums when brushing your teeth.

Signs of intoxication of the body most often appear with viral and bacterial hepatitis, progressive liver cancer, complications due to cirrhosis. If the body is intoxicated, the following symptoms will be noted:

All of these signs may indicate not only liver disease, but also other pathologies. Therefore, self-diagnosis, and even more so self-medication, is under no circumstances advisable to seek medical help.

Today, liver and gallbladder diseases, the symptoms and treatment of which are not known to everyone, respond well to treatment with timely consultation with a specialist.

All diseases of the liver and gallbladder have a number of common symptoms and require immediate treatment to avoid complications and aggravation of the disease.

General symptoms indicating disruption of the liver and gallbladder: pain in the right hypochondrium (the nature and intensity depend on the disease), nausea, loss of appetite, weakness and apathy, bitterness in the mouth or changes in the skin, abnormal stool. As a rule, there are always several symptoms; the more impaired the function, the more clinical manifestations. Treatment of the liver and gallbladder should be mandatory. Whatever symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor for examination, clarification of the diagnosis and prescription of adequate treatment.

Liver disease includes all lesions affecting the anatomical structure (hepatocytes, liver lobules, intrahepatic vessels and bile ducts). Diseases of the bile ducts that extend beyond the structure of the liver and the gallbladder are classified as gall bladder pathologies.

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Main pathologies

To date, the following have been highlighted:

Any liver damage if ignored ends in cirrhosis, leading to liver failure. It is not difficult to recognize a dysfunction of an organ.

Manifestation of diseases

Nausea appears, turning into vomiting, heartburn, sweat has a very strong unpleasant odor, the skin becomes yellow, and there is significant itching, which is difficult to relieve with anything. Diarrhea develops, accompanied by a change in the color of the stool.

Additionally, the following disorders may occur: a constant feeling of hunger or extreme thirst, insomnia, fever may be replaced by chills. Acne appears, hair condition worsens, turning into hair loss. Weight loss and vision deterioration.

Clinical picture:

nagging pain, a feeling of heaviness are characteristic of a sluggish inflammatory or infectious process, accompanied by an increase in the size of the liver, which leads to overstretching of the liver capsule; patients cannot indicate the location of the pain;
very severe pain in the right hypochondrium is characteristic of an acute inflammatory process, liver injury or blockage of the bile duct with a stone;
severe pain in the projection of the liver with a clear point localization indicates damage to the gallbladder or ducts outside the liver (not typical of the liver);
sometimes the disease is asymptomatic and is detected already at the stage of cirrhosis or liver failure, the most insidious course.

Manifestations of liver disease:

increase in organ size;
general weakness and malaise due to intoxication;
headaches and disturbances in the thought process;
yellowness of the skin and sclera, with a problem with the liver it is moderately expressed, orange in color;
the appearance of a rash;
purulent elements express a violation of the synthesis of immunoglobulins;
an allergic reaction is a consequence of intoxication of the body and can occur to any substances that were previously harmless to the patient;
hemorrhagic rashes in the form of pinpoint bruises all over the body, which occur at the slightest external influence, are caused by the fragility of blood vessels;
the appearance of pastosity;
the vessels become brittle, minor hemorrhages occur;
bowel dysfunction;
the abdomen becomes disproportionately large and with a pronounced vascular “jellyfish head” pattern;
with increased appetite, there is a decrease in body weight and bitterness in the mouth.

Etiological factors

Despite the fact that the liver recovers well, in most cases without damage to health, there are situations in which destruction occurs with greater intensity, and lifestyle disorders and bad habits only contribute to its damage.

Viruses are the main enemies of the liver, which it practically does not block (hepatitis is not completely cured, it is only possible to achieve remission).

Toxic substances also cause liver damage. It doesn’t matter in what form they enter the bloodstream - through breathing, skin or nutrition. The longer their attack, the stronger the destructive effect.

Abdominal injuries also lead to liver damage.

Diagnostic measures

Ultrasound can detect hepatitis, cirrhosis, neoplasms, cysts, developmental abnormalities, enlargement and structural disturbances. Radioisotope research allows us to determine the functioning of the bile ducts and the vascular network.

Positron emission tomography is the most effective method. It is used more often to detect tumors and metastases in oncology. Computed tomography is performed for jaundice, cirrhosis, trauma and oncology.

Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to obtain a three-dimensional image of the organ, which is unacceptable with a pacemaker. Liver biopsy is performed for infectious and malignant diseases, cirrhosis and fever of unknown etiology.

Methods of therapy

For oncology, treatment is surgical. For inflammatory processes, antibacterial and antiviral therapy is prescribed.

For liver diseases, hepatoprotectors and drugs are used to help the liver resist aggressive factors and promote cell regeneration.

In severe and advanced situations, palliative care is used.

Any liver treatment should be carried out under the strict supervision of the attending physician; self-medication is unacceptable.

People suffering from liver diseases are prohibited from drinking alcohol, fatty and fried foods, onions and garlic, and smoking. It is recommended to steam and boil. Eat only fresh food and small portions throughout the day. A sufficient amount of fresh herbs and vegetables is required. It is recommended to get proper rest, avoid hypothermia and physical overexertion. Avoiding contact with any infections will significantly improve your quality of life.

Disorders of the biliary organs

Gallbladder diseases involve dysfunction of the organ to produce bile or remove it in sufficient quantities. Regardless of the nature of the disease, digestion suffers.

The most common pathologies:

1. Cholecystitis is an inflammatory process in the gallbladder, manifested by significant pain in the right hypochondrium, worsening after eating. Drugs that promote the separation of bile and anti-inflammatory drugs are used (herbal medicine is widely used).
2. GSD - manifests itself when the stone is displaced from its usual place and moves along the ducts, expressed by severe cutting pain; with mechanical blockage of the duct, yellowness of the skin occurs. Treatment is surgical.
3. Dyskinesia is a violation of the outflow of bile. When eating fatty foods, dull pain occurs. They are removed with antispasmodics (No-shpa).
4. Cholesterosis - during a person’s life, the walls of the bile ducts become clogged with cholesterol. For a long time the disease is asymptomatic. It is treated by adjusting the diet and strict diet.
5. Polyps. If the duct is not blocked, the pathology does not appear. Treatment is surgical.
6. Cancer. Rarely seen. The gallbladder is removed and chemotherapy is given. A strict diet for life.

Necessary examinations

Most gallbladder diseases do not manifest themselves in the early stages, which makes timely diagnosis difficult. And in the later stages, most diseases have a similar picture. Laboratory methods help in making a diagnosis:

biochemistry;
Ultrasound of the liver;
analysis of the composition of bile obtained by probing;
palpation;
cholecystography.

If there is no need for surgical intervention, conservative treatment is used.

Herbal medicine is very common in treatment, especially choleretic teas, and antispasmodics for pain. For viruses, antiviral therapy, for inflammation, antibacterial therapy. The diet is strict, the slightest error at the treatment stage is unacceptable and leads to a return to the clinic. It is recommended to take mineral waters.

Prevention consists of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, following a diet and nutrition regimen, herbal medicine, physiotherapy, avoiding heavy physical labor and avoiding hypothermia.

From time to time, an ultrasound is performed to monitor the dynamics of the disease. Remember: to cure any disease, you must consult a doctor in a timely manner.

The liver is a vital and largest organ of the human body, taking an active part in digestive and metabolic processes. In addition, it is a kind of filter for purifying the blood of toxins. Minimal disruptions in the functioning of this body can lead to very serious consequences. Therefore, everyone should know the symptoms of a diseased liver.

In medical practice, a distinction is made between functional and organic disorders in the liver.

The occurrence of functional pain is associated with external factors. Among them are:

poisoning;
overeating (in particular, excessive indulgence in fatty, fried and high-cholesterol foods);
alcohol intoxication and those caused by medications;
overvoltage.

In some cases, pain can be caused by acute or chronic stress. Such situations are characterized by an implicit and not constant pain syndrome, but periodic, depending on the impact of negative factors.

It is not difficult to get rid of functional disorders; they can be easily corrected with the help of.

Organic lesions cause more serious diseases that not only affect the liver, but also lead to changes in it. Such pathologies can appear in both women and men. These include:

cirrhosis;
acute and chronic hepatitis;
fatty liver;
cysts;
abscesses;
tumors.

The first signs of a diseased liver

The presence of many liver diseases is indicated by a number of signs reflected on the human body or face. If such manifestations are not ignored and you do not consult a doctor in a timely manner, you will be able to avoid the development of serious problems. Even in the early stages, it will be useful to use traditional methods of treating the liver.

On the face

On the skin

Other symptoms

In addition to external manifestations, a person with liver pathology may experience other signs:

fatigue, loss of performance;
lack of appetite;
the appearance of a protruding abdomen is an indicator of accumulated fluid in the abdominal area;
The shade and structure of the hair may change, the weakness and fragility of which becomes clearly visible;
at night the person sweats a lot;
in some cases, insomnia appears;
the patient is left with a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, and a yellow coating appears on the tongue.
A patient with liver pathology often develops intolerance to excessively fatty foods.

Important! Any manifestations of this kind, especially in a child, must be responded to and not delayed in going to the clinic.

How does the liver hurt?

The liver itself is not equipped with pain receptors; they are located only in the fibrous membrane that covers this organ. As the size of the liver increases, it begins to put pressure on the membrane. As a result, patients with pathologies of this vital organ begin to feel dull pain. If the pain is cramping and acute, then this indicates abnormalities in the activity of the biliary tract, or cholelithiasis.

If the liver hurts, then the feeling of discomfort is not necessarily localized in the area of the right hypochondrium, where the organ itself is located, but often radiates to other areas of the body or may even blur.

Liver pathologies may be accompanied by:

dull or acute painful manifestations under the ribs on the right side;
the pain can be pressing or pulling;
a feeling of discomfort arises after consuming fatty, spicy, fried, or alcohol-containing drinks.

Important! If a person’s liver begins to hurt, and no matter what the cause of the pathology is, there are symptoms that always appear. These include belching with the smell of a rotten egg, nausea, bloating, and abnormal bowel movements.

Diagnosis of liver diseases

A patient with obvious manifestations of liver disease is prescribed a special examination. First of all, using a special device, the appearance of the organ is examined. In this way, it is possible to notice even the most minor changes in its shape, color, and structure.

Analysis of such changes will help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

Important! Diagnosis at home and self-treatment of liver diseases can cause irreparable harm to the body.

How to help the body cope with the problem

Unfortunately, not all liver diseases can be completely eliminated. However, if you take all the necessary measures in a timely manner and strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations, you will be able to achieve a long and stable remission.

Treatment of pathologies of this organ should be carried out under the constant supervision of a doctor. Complex therapy, diet, dosing of physical activity, complete exclusion of alcohol from the diet - all these factors together will lead to the expected result.

Read about the most effective drugs for treating the liver.

It is important to help the body fight the disease. To do this, you need to make sure that the menu contains vitamins A, D, E, F, microelements, and phospholipids. Forget about fatty foods and alcohol completely. The daily menu should be enriched with antioxidants contained in large quantities in greens.

People suffering from liver diseases should not only take care to eliminate bad habits, but also limit the amount of spicy, fatty and hot foods. In addition, it is recommended to avoid heat and sunburn, minimize the consumption of fermented milk products, and eat vegetables raw. Steam, stew or boil dishes.

If an unpleasant diagnosis is made, then you should not immediately panic: the liver is an organ that has. However, it is not advisable to let everything take its course. Liver dysfunction poses a serious threat to human health and life. Knowing what symptoms and signs may indicate liver disease, you will be able to consult a doctor in time and begin treatment immediately, which is extremely important in this matter.

Anton palaznikov

Gastroenterologist, therapist

Work experience more than 7 years.

Professional skills: diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary system.

All organs are important in their own way, but there are also those without which a person simply cannot exist. The liver is one of the main “elements” of the body; it performs many useful functions. Given the heavy loads, this organ often suffers from inflammatory processes of varying severity. Symptoms of liver disease depend on the specific type of illness and its stage. Today, cirrhosis, hepatitis, toxic lesions, and stone formation are often diagnosed. The signs of such diseases differ. If the liver hurts, what symptoms does a person have?

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

There are common symptoms of liver disease:

painful, aching sensations under the ribs, which are aggravated by physical activity, eating fried, spicy, fatty foods;
nausea, vomiting;
significant loss of appetite;
severe heartburn, frequent belching;
lethargy, weakness, decreased performance.

The first signs of a diseased liver

Signs of a diseased liver in women and men have some distinctive features. In general, the disease progresses similarly in both sexes. Symptoms are divided into internal and external manifestations of liver inflammation. Internal signs:

sharp pain on the right side under the ribs;
digestive problems;
abdominal enlargement;
nausea;
hair loss;
darkening of urine;
the appearance of a feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium, which is preceded by the absorption of fried, spicy foods high in calories.

External symptoms of a diseased liver, which can be seen in the photo, appear on the skin:

jaundice: the mucous membranes and skin acquire an unhealthy yellowish tint, which is visible to the naked eye;
rashes, itching;
psoriasis, eczema: spots with a rough surface that occur mainly on the head and upper torso.

Liver diseases and their symptoms

Liver ailments are a large list of diseases that differ in their causes and symptoms. This article will discuss lesions of an important organ, which are more common than other ailments. Let's talk about the symptoms of liver disease due to hepatitis, cirrhosis, toxic ailments, and the formation of stones. If signs appear that indicate liver problems, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Liver cirrhosis in men and women

Liver cirrhosis refers to extensive lesions due to which healthy tissues atrophy, gradually turning into scar tissue. Due to this replacement, nodes of different sizes are formed, which significantly modify the structure of the “filtering” organ. Men get sick much more often than the fair sex. What are the symptoms of liver cirrhosis? This question interests many. These include:

the first signs of liver cirrhosis are yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, as well as rapid weight loss accompanied by decreased appetite;
severe weakness, increased fatigue, drowsiness;
the appearance of “stars” from blood vessels on the skin that turn pale when pressed;
skin itching, worse at night;
dark yellow color of urine;
frequent formation of bruises on the skin;
How does the liver hurt with cirrhosis: sharp, severe pain is felt under the ribs on the right side of the body;
symptoms of liver disease in women are supplemented by dysfunction of the menstrual cycle, in men – by impotence.

Toxic damage

A complex of diseases associated with the damaging effects of various factors is toxic liver damage. Substances that cause poisoning can be medications, household chemicals, foods (for example, mushrooms), radiation, and so on. Due to the influence of the factors described above, changes are observed that become a catalyst for disruption of the proper functioning of the liver and can lead to failure. Liver problems of this nature are characterized by symptoms combined into syndromes. Types of liver intoxication syndromes:

Cytolysis is a failure of the permeability of hepatocyte walls; liver cells die with prolonged exposure to toxic substances. Signs:

the activity of the enzymes AST, ALT, LDH increases;
the amount of vitamin B and iron in the blood changes.

Cholestatic syndrome is characterized by an interruption in the flow of the required amount of bile into the intestinal system. Symptoms:

the liver enlarges;
irritation and itching appear on the skin;
urine darkens, stool becomes lighter;
the skin, mucous membranes of the eyes, and saliva turn yellow;
general health worsens.

Signs of dyspeptic syndrome:

pain in the abdomen, under the ribs, near the pancreas, bloating;
nausea, vomiting;
decreased appetite;
increase in liver volume.

The specifics of hepatocellular failure are as follows:

the appearance of “stars” on the skin;
redness of the face, palms, or soles;
jaundice;
expansion of the salivary glands;
in men, growth of adipose tissue, testicular atrophy, erectile dysfunction and enlargement of the mammary glands are observed;
white dots on nails;
bruising;
curvature of the tendons in the hands.

Hepatargia is a severe stage of liver failure, which affects the functioning of the central nervous system and brain. Hepatargia can manifest itself as follows:

various mental disorders;
a special, unpleasant odor from the mouth;
coma.

Stones

The appearance of stones is considered a consequence of gallstone disease. Signs of this type of ailment do not manifest themselves for a long period, up to 2-3 years. Symptoms of liver disease, which is caused by the formation of stones, include the following:

hepatic colic, which often occurs when stones move along the path of the capillaries of the gallbladder or inflammation of the ducts;
feeling of dryness in the mouth;
nausea;
bowel dysfunction (constipation);
darkening of urine, stool becomes light, acquires a sour odor;
a yellowish coating appears on the tongue;
restlessness, pain in the heart area, convulsions may occur periodically.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis of various types are ailments that primarily affect the human liver, leading to inflammation in the organ. There are three groups of hepatitis:

viral diseases: A, B, C, D, E, F;
toxic hepatitis;
autoimmune.

All general signs of liver damage by any type of hepatitis are classified into early and late manifestations of the disease. Optional, first symptoms of hepatitis:

temperature increase;
painful sensations under the ribs on the right;
the appearance of rashes on the skin;
decreased appetite;
pain and aches in the joints, severe weakness.

Later signs of liver inflammation:

jaundice;
obvious darkening of urine;
lightening, sometimes complete discoloration of feces;
nausea, vomiting;

Which doctor should I consult if my liver hurts?

If the above-described symptoms associated with liver diseases are observed, then it is necessary to undergo mandatory examination by specialists. You need to seek help from a therapist, talk with a gastroenterologist and a surgeon. It is also worth visiting the main specialist in liver diseases - a hepatologist. The therapist conducts a general examination and, if necessary, writes out referrals for tests and other doctors.

A gastroenterologist deals with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the functioning of the digestive system. He prescribes therapeutic measures when a patient is diagnosed with cirrhosis and abscess in the liver, hepatitis B and C. The hepatologist has a narrow specialization and is responsible for the functioning of the liver and the rehabilitation period after organ transplantation. Sometimes the therapist recommends visiting an oncologist who can determine liver cancer and advanced stage cirrhosis.

Video about alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver

The inflammatory process, often caused by excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, requires mandatory treatment. An advanced form of cirrhosis can lead to serious consequences and even death. After watching the video, you can learn about the full symptoms, the main causes of the disease, the diagnosis of cirrhosis and how to treat it.

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Signs of liver disease

The liver is exposed to negative effects almost every day. Therefore, it is very important to know the signs of liver disease, symptoms and treatment. People die every year due to damage to this organ, and the number of deaths from liver pathology is growing. What to do if your liver hurts, pain in the liver is long-lasting? You need to contact a specialist for help.

Description of the disease

The liver has a very important role in the human body. Thanks to it, the digestion process is fully carried out, all cells receive a sufficient amount of vitamins.

Most liver diseases are triggered by unbearable stress placed on this organ and a disruption of the recovery process. The danger of any liver pathology lies in the risk of developing cancer and complications that are incompatible with life. Many names of diseases of this organ are known to people. It is very important to know how liver disease develops, symptoms and treatment for each pathology.

Autoimmune liver diseases are triggered by an attack of the immune system, destruction of the cells of this organ. At the same time, the inflammatory process begins. This group of diseases includes:

Autoimmune hepatitis (type 1, 2). Type 1 disease is more often recorded in young women due to genetic predisposition. Type 2 is recorded in girls and young women.
Cholangitis. This pathology usually occurs together with colitis and ulcers.
Biliary cirrhosis (primary). This pathology is most often recorded in women. It is characterized by severe itching, jaundice, ulcers, and deterioration in the performance of various internal organs.

trichinosis;
ascariasis. This disease is often recorded in people living in tropical and subtropical climates;
opisthorchiasis;
giardiasis;
echinococcosis. This disease most often affects those whose work involves animals.

Each of the above pathologies is accompanied by a severe allergic reaction, a disorder of the basic processes of the body, and stool disorders (diarrhea).

Chronic diseases also often develop, which are characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission. These include:

viral hepatitis;
cirrhosis.

Viral hepatitis has 6 types:

a (Botkin. Affects children due to poor sanitation. Can be spread through household contact).
b (serum. The disease spreads through the blood).
c (the most severe type of the disease. This form of pathology can be transmitted from mother to child).
d ((similar to species b. Transmitted through blood, sexual intercourse).
e (It is often recorded in areas with poor water and hot climates. Its appearance is provoked by insufficient hygiene. It can be spread through household means).
g (This form is poorly understood).

Typically, liver tissue recovers very quickly. Its cells can resist the effects of many harmful factors. But there are a lot of factors that provoke liver diseases:

To avoid dangerous complications, you need to know how liver inflammation manifests itself, symptoms and treatment of this disease. Any liver disease is considered dangerous. Its insidiousness lies in the fact that there are practically no symptoms. The patient notices the pathology only when it is at a progressive stage and becomes very advanced.

Let us indicate the main signs that appear in almost any liver disease:

intense sweating (sweat has an unpleasant odor);
severe heartburn;
yellowness of the dermis;
liver enlargement;
darkening of urine;
light stool;
diarrhea.

In addition to the main symptoms that indicate liver problems, experts have identified a number of additional signs:

sleep problems;
presence of acne (this applies to adults);
frequent seizures;
color blindness (this symptom occurs in rare cases);
development of atherosclerosis;
increased contractions of the heart muscle;
hair loss, eyebrow loss (gradual);
the appearance of papillomas.

The characteristics of the manifestations (symptoms) of the disease are influenced by many factors: the causative agent of the disease, the type of disease, the severity of the lesion. Given these features, the patient may experience the following symptoms:

lethargy, loss of strength, very rapid fatigue;
rash on the dermis;
enlarged liver (most diseases of the organ are accompanied by hepatomegaly);
weakening of blood vessels;
discomfort, pain in the liver area;
change in color of urine, urine;
sudden weight loss;
the presence of cracks, plaque on the tongue;
frequent bleeding;
increase in abdominal size;
hypovitaminosis.

There are a number of symptoms that experts classify as a separate group. They appear from the dermis. This group includes:

rash;
jaundice;
cracks (they usually appear in the corners of the lips);
subcutaneous hemorrhages;
darkening of the dermis in the area of the armpits, groin (the dermis becomes almost brown);
redness of the dermis in the area of the phalanges;
the appearance of stretch marks;
the appearance of vascular branches;
severe scratching;
swelling of the veins coming from the navel;
the presence of spots, white dots, lines on the nails.

Considering the fact that any liver disease also affects the digestive system, patients often experience:

nausea;
bowel dysfunction (diarrhea, constipation);
fishy breath;
discoloration of stool;
feeling of fullness in the stomach;
darkening of urine;
presence of a sweetish taste in the mouth.

In women with liver disease, not only all of the above symptoms are observed, but also peculiar signs appear:

menstrual irregularities;
hemophilia (weakened ability of blood to clot);
stretch marks.

In men, liver disease also affects hormonal levels. It manifests itself in:

breast enlargement;
changes in hairline;
testicular atrophy;
impotence;
infertility.

The pathology of the organ in question is accompanied not only by an enlarged liver, jaundice, and upset stool, but also by pain. Pain in liver diseases varies in nature:

minor pain in the area of the right hypochondrium. The pain can be aching, bursting. It indicates a sluggish pathological process. Pain inside the organ is caused by such factors : enlarged liver, overstretching of the hepatic capsule;
severe pain. They are usually point-like and appear in the projection of the affected organ;
intense pain felt in the right hypochondrium. They indicate a purulent, traumatic, inflammatory process.

Nervous disorders can also occur with liver disease. They appear in:

changes in personality;
memory loss;
convulsions;
finger tremor;
epilepsy.

Diagnostics

To diagnose a large number of liver diseases, specialists use the following methods:

Ultrasonography.
Blood test (biochemical, general).
Magnetic resonance imaging.
Biopsy.
Immunological testing.
Genetic tests.

Treatment

When treating liver disease, lifestyle changes are very important. The patient is advised to switch to a healthy diet and forget about bad habits. You also need to take prescribed medications (hepatoprotectors). Liver pathologies can be treated with medication; if desired, patients use traditional medicine (after discussion with a specialist).

For liver diseases, specialists usually prescribe the following drugs:

"Heptral". It exhibits antidepressant effects. It is often used in the treatment of chronic alcoholics and drug addicts. It helps with severe intoxication of the body.
"FanDetox". The medicine is made based on plant extracts. It activates metabolism, improves liver function, and strengthens the heart.
"Karsil". This remedy improves metabolism and reduces weight.
"Liv 52". The medication is used in the treatment of cirrhosis and hepatitis.
"Essentiale forte". Used in the treatment of liver diseases. It is often prescribed to pregnant women.

Approximate price tags for treatment in major centers

City name	Medical institution	Procedure name	Price
Permian	Perm Immunoprophylaxis Center on Ekaterininskaya Street	Appointment with a hepatologist	900 rub.
Kyiv	Optima Pharm	Appointment with a hepatologist	600 UAH.
Volgograd	YugMed	Appointment with a hepatologist	700 rub.
Ekaterinburg	MC "Chance"	Appointment with a hepatologist	600 – 1000 rub.
St. Petersburg	SM-Clinic	Appointment with a hepatologist	RUB 2,150
Novosibirsk	Healthy family	Appointment with a hepatologist	2,200 rub.
Odessa	Yanko Medical	Appointment with a hepatologist	600 UAH.
Omsk	West Siberian Medical Center FMBA of Russia	Appointment with a hepatologist	600 rub.
Minsk	SM-Clinic	Appointment with a hepatologist	1,450 bel. rub.
Almaty	St. Nauryzbay batyr, corner st. Kurmangazy	Appointment with a hepatologist	7150 tenge.
Samara	Hepatologist	Appointment with a hepatologist	1,100 rub.
Chelyabinsk	LOTUS	Fibroscanning + appointment with a hepatologist	6,000 rub.
Nizhny Novgorod	Guarantee	Appointment with a hepatologist	2,000 rub.
MSK	Asteri Esthetic	Appointment with a hepatologist	7,000 rub.
Kharkiv	Milner-Medical	Appointment with a hepatologist	190 UAH

Prevention

Preventive measures cannot always prevent the development of liver diseases. Often diseases are hereditary. Prevention measures include simple recommendations from specialists:

Do not abuse alcohol.
Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse.
Monitor the quality and freshness of purchased products.
Lead a healthy lifestyle.
Take any medications correctly.
If there is a predisposition to the development of liver diseases, you need to take hepatoprotectors.
Experts recommend using hepatoprotectors in the presence of liver disease. These medicines are made on a natural plant basis.
It is very important to give up bad habits, eating fatty, fried, hot, spicy foods. Experts recommend avoiding heat and sunbathing.
It is recommended to eat vegetables raw.
You should not consume too much dairy products.
Sweet tea should help with liver pain.
It is recommended to eat astringent foods.
If your liver hurts, pain in the liver has just appeared, you need to undergo diagnostics at a medical institution. Early detection of pathology is the key to a speedy cure and prevention of the development of dangerous complications.