Gastroenterologist named the signs of liver problems

The liver may not be ill for a long time and only becomes aware of itself when its health is seriously threatened. That is why liver diseases can be difficult to detect at an early stage. Gastroenterologist Ekaterina Kashukh, an expert physician at the Hemotest laboratory, told Izvestia on January 16 what symptoms can be used to recognize problems with the liver and whether alcohol and overeating can put it out of action.

The expert noted that the liver is one of the largest and hardest-working organs.

"There are more than 100 vital processes in its area of responsibility. It cleanses the blood of toxins, affects coagulation and helps to dispose of old, spent red blood cells - red blood cells. It also produces bile, a digestive enzyme that helps digest fats. Finally, it is the liver that stores a supply of glucose, a substance that serves as the main source of energy for cells. Of course, under such a load, the liver is vulnerable, but it is not easy to detect a failure in its work," explained Kashukh.

The fact is that the liver itself has no pain receptors - nerve endings that react to malfunctions in the organ and send an impulse to the brain.

"Such a "signaling system" is only in the liver capsule - that is, the membrane that surrounds the organ and serves as its protection. Painful sensations appear only when, under the influence of some negative factors, the liver increases in size and the capsule is stretched. So, for example, it happens with severe viral hepatitis, large cysts and abscesses in the liver and oncologic diseases of the organ. In all these cases, the liver is enlarged, its capsule is stretched, which can provoke sharp or dull and aching pain, "- said the doctor.

Liver pain is often difficult to localize - meaning a person is clearly bothered by something, but can't always pinpoint where it hurts. According to the doctor, it may seem that the stomach is aching or cramping, because the pain is localized in the upper abdomen, in the center. The same sensations are characteristic of gallstone disease.

"Sometimes patients talk about the shooting pain going to the shoulder. You need to understand that if the liver really hurts, then we are talking about severe and extremely dangerous diseases. And pain is far from the first sign, not the only symptom. Another thing is that these are usually atypical manifestations that are difficult to associate with the liver. There may be severe weakness, a person quickly gets tired, he may have itching, nausea, decreased appetite. And the skin and the sclera of the eyes also turn yellow," Kashukh noted.

She emphasized that at the appearance of any of the above symptoms it is important to contact a therapist. The doctor will conduct an examination and recommend an examination. As a rule, it begins with a biochemical blood test and ultrasound of the liver.

In this case, from infrequent feasts, the liver is unlikely to get sick, especially if everything is in good health.

"Of course, overeating and alcohol have a negative impact on health and can lead to exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). Overeating can indeed cause right side pain, but this is usually due to an overcrowded colon or gallbladder disease," explains the gastroenterologist.

In addition, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholic hepatitis.

"This is an inflammatory disease of the liver. Typically, alcoholic hepatitis occurs in people with long-term alcohol dependence, who drink systematically for several years. From the point of view of medicine, there is no safe dose of alcohol, and in any case it is necessary to treat your health carefully and responsibly," - said the specialist.

To reduce the load on the gastrointestinal tract and liver, among other things, help simple rules, said Kashukh. It is important to eat a balanced diet, move more, observe a drinking regimen.

"These recommendations may seem trivial, but they are really effective. They are the basis of a healthy lifestyle. It is also important not to ignore health problems. Do not underestimate even a slight ailment - perhaps this is how the body reports the beginning of the disease. The earlier it can be detected, the better it can be treated. One of the basic tests that help assess the state of the liver - biochemistry. It makes sense to take it from time to time, even if nothing bothers you," - concluded the doctor.

Earlier, on December 19, therapist of JSC "Medicine" (Clinic of Academician Roitberg), Dr. Olga Sharhun told "Izvestia" that fluid retention in the body can arise from various diseases, including heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, endocrine disorders and infections. According to the expert, one of the most common diseases leading to edema is heart failure, when the heart is not able to pump blood, which leads to fluid accumulation in the tissues.