Liver damage, or cirrhosis, may cause no symptoms in its early stages. Early signs may be nonspecific, such as nausea or fatigue. Later stages can lead to symptoms such as jaundice, itchy skin, and swelling in the lower limbs.
Approximately 4.5 million adults in America he a liver disease diagnosis. Liver damage has many potential causes, including viruses, obesity, and alcohol misuse. Over time, damage leads to a buildup of scar tissue on the liver, known as cirrhosis.
When this occurs, scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, leading to symptoms and possibly liver failure.
A person may not he any initial symptoms. As the damage progresses, a person may start to notice nonspecific symptoms that can progressively worsen.
This article reviews early and late-stage symptoms of liver damage, its causes, treatment, and prevention.