The first signs and symptoms of liver problems are abdominal pain on the right side and belly swelling. In addition to these, there may also be signs of yellowing of the skin and eyes and dark yellow urine.
Some of the common causes of liver problems are excess fat in this organ, which occurs mainly in people who are overweight or who do not practice physical activity, excessive alcohol, abusive use of medications and diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, ascites, schistosomiasis and portal hypertension.
If you want to know your chances of having this disease, point out your symptoms:
- 1. Pain in the upper right region of the belly Yes No
- 2. Frequent dizziness or lightheadedness Yes No
- 3. Frequent headache Yes No
- 4. Easy tiredness and no apparent reason Yes No
- 5. Easy bruising Yes No
- 6. Yellowing of eyes or skin
- 7. Dark urine Yes No
- 8. Loss of appetite Yes No
- 9. Yellowish, gray or off-white faeces Yes No
- 10. Swollen belly Yes No
- 11. Itching all over the body Yes No
Faced with the presence of these symptoms, it is important to seek the doctor to investigate the cause of the problem and initiate the appropriate treatment. Check out what the symptoms of hepatitis are.
Diagnostic tests
To diagnose problems in the liver, a blood test called hepatogram should be done, which evaluates the functions of this organ from the levels of:
- AST and ALT;
- GGT, also calls the GT Range;
- Alkaline phosphatase;
- Direct, indirect, and total bilirubin;
- Albumin;
- INR and TAP or TP;
- 5'-nucleotidase (5'NTD);
- LDH.
In addition to blood tests, the doctor may also order complementary tests such as ultrasound and computed tomography.
Treatment
The treatment to be done depends on the causes of the disease, but the milder cases are treated only with changes in diet. However, in situations of greater severity, medications may also be needed to decrease inflammation, cholesterol, blood glucose, and other factors that affect the liver.
In addition, you should talk to the doctor and ask permission to supplement the treatment with home remedies that help clean this organ, such as those made with boldo, lettuce or lavender. See more details on: Treatment for liver diseases.
Food to treat the liver
In case of liver problems, it is recommended to drink at least 1.5 L of water per day and to consume easily digestible and low fat foods, such as fish, white meats, fruits, vegetables, natural juices, white cheeses and milk and skimmed milk products.
In addition, cooked, roasted or grilled preparations should be avoided, avoiding fried foods, soft drinks, filled biscuits, butter, red meat, sausage, sausage, bacon, chocolate and sweets in general. It is also important to avoid consumption of any kind of beverages alcoholic beverages. See more details of the diet for the liver.
The gastroenterologist is the most suitable specialist physician for the treatment of liver diseases, and he should be consulted if the symptoms persist, even after changes in diet.
Watch the video and see more tips for treating liver problems:
