Liver problems

Definition

Liver problems include a wide range of diseases and conditions that can affect your liver. Your liver is an organ about the size of a football that sits just under your rib cage on the right side of your abdomen. Without your liver, you couldn't digest food and absorb nutrients, get rid of toxic substances from your body or stay alive.

Liver problems can be inherited, or liver problems can occur in response to viruses and chemicals. Some liver problems are temporary and go away on their own, while other liver problems can last for a long time and lead to serious complications


Common Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of liver problems include:

■Discolored skin and eyes that appear yellowish
■Abdominal pain and swelling
■Itchy skin that doesn't seem to go away
■Dark urine color
■Pale stool color
■Bloody or tar-colored stool
■Chronic fatigue
■Nausea
■Loss of appetite

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you. Seek immediate medical attention if you have abdominal pain that is so severe that you can't stay still.