The liver is an essential organ for the body to function. It helps to "cleanse" the blood, digest food, store energy and produce substances important for health.

The great challenge is that many liver diseases start silently, without clear symptoms. That's why understanding the signs and care makes a difference.

Main problems that can affect the liver

Fat in the liver (steatosis)

It is one of the most common problems today.

It is usually related to:

  • Excess weight

  • Inadequate diet

  • Diabetes

  • High cholesterol

Important: in most cases, it does not cause symptoms at first.

Hepatitis (liver inflammation)

These are inflammations that can be caused by viruses, alcohol or other conditions, such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

They can go years without showing signs.

Liver scarring (cirrhosis)

This is when the liver suffers damage over a long time and begins to "harden", losing its function.

Liver cancer

It usually appears in people who already had liver problems for a long time.

Rare diseases

Some less common conditions can also affect the liver, such as:

  • Haemochromatosis (excess iron in the body)

  • Wilson's disease (copper accumulation)

What are the first signs?

Here is an important point: very often there are no symptoms at the beginning.

When they do appear, they tend to be mild:

  • Frequent tiredness

  • Malaise

  • Mild discomfort on the right side of the belly

  • Lack of appetite

Signs that the problem may be more advanced

  • Yellowing of skin and eyes

  • Dark urine

  • Very pale stools

  • Itching all over the body

  • Swollen belly

  • Confusion or excessive sleepiness

These signs indicate that the liver may be more compromised.

Silent diseases: why is this a concern?

Some problems can develop for years without showing any signs:

  • Fat in the liver

  • Hepatitis

  • Early stages of more serious damage

This means that many people only discover the problem when it is already more advanced.

How do the first changes appear on tests?

Most of the time, the first alert comes from routine blood tests.

These tests evaluate:

  • Whether the liver is "irritated"

  • Whether it is functioning well

  • Whether there are signs of overload

In addition, tests such as ultrasound help to see changes, such as fat or changes in the liver's structure.

Medicines that can damage the liver

Some medications can cause problems, especially when used inappropriately.

A common example is Paracetamol, especially in high doses.

Others that can affect:

  • Some antibiotics

  • Seizure medications

  • Medicines used for cholesterol (rarely)

Teas and natural products can also be harmful

There is a common mistake: thinking that "natural" is always safe.

Some teas and supplements can harm the liver, such as:

  • Green tea in excess

  • "Detox" products

  • Some herbal remedies

Health problems that are not liver problems, but affect the liver

The liver can also suffer from other diseases of the body, such as:

  • Heart problems

  • Serious infections

  • Obesity

  • Diabetes

How to prevent liver problems

Some attitudes make a big difference:

  • Avoid excessive alcohol

  • Maintain a balanced diet

  • Control weight, sugar and cholesterol

  • Avoid self-medication

  • Get vaccinated when indicated

  • Have regular medical follow-up

What to do if a test comes back altered?

Not every change means something serious, but it should not be ignored either.

The ideal is to:

  • Repeat the test, if necessary

  • Evaluate your health history

  • Review use of medicines and habits

  • Investigate the cause correctly

Avoid trying to "fix it yourself" without understanding the reason for the change.

When to seek help more urgently

  • Yellowing of skin or eyes

  • Mental confusion

  • Abdominal swelling

  • Bleeding

  • Severe abdominal pain

Conclusion

The liver can become ill for a long time without showing clear signs. That's why caring for your health on a daily basis and having regular tests is what allows you to identify problems earlier when they are still easier to treat.

The information in this content is educational and does not replace a medical evaluation. If you have symptoms or altered tests, see a doctor for a complete analysis. Each case needs to be evaluated individually for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Rebeca Soares Andrade CRM-GO 39335