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

The great challenge is that many liver diseases begin silently, without clear symptoms. This is 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 generally related to:

  • Excess weight

  • Inadequate diet

  • Diabetes

  • High cholesterol

Important: most of the time, it does not cause symptoms at the beginning.

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 for a long time and begins to "harden," losing its function.

Liver cancer

It usually appears in people who already had liver problems for quite some time.

Rare diseases

Some uncommon conditions can also affect the liver, such as:

  • Hemochromatosis (excess iron in the body)

  • Wilson's disease (copper accumulation)

What are the first signs?

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

When they appear, they tend to be mild:

  • Frequent tiredness

  • Malaise

  • Mild discomfort on the right side of the belly

  • Loss of appetite

Signs that the problem may be more advanced

  • Yellowing of skin and eyes

  • Dark urine

  • Very pale stools

  • Itching throughout the body

  • Swollen belly

  • Confusion or excessive drowsiness

These signs indicate that the liver may be more compromised.

Silent diseases: why is this a concern?

Some problems can progress for years without showing any signs:

  • Fat in the liver

  • Hepatitis

  • Initial 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 exams?

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

These exams evaluate:

  • Whether the liver is "irritated"

  • Whether it is functioning well

  • Whether there are signs of overload

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

Medications that can damage the liver

Some medications can cause problems, especially when used improperly.

A common example is Acetaminophen, especially in high doses.

Others that can affect:

  • Some antibiotics

  • Seizure medications

  • Medications 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 damage the liver, such as:

  • Green tea in excess

  • "Detox" products

  • Some medicinal herbs

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

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

  • Heart problems

  • Severe 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 an exam comes back altered?

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

The ideal is to:

  • Repeat the exam, if necessary

  • Evaluate health history

  • Review medication use 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

  • Swelling in the belly

  • Bleeding

  • Severe abdominal pain

Conclusion

The liver can become sick for a long time without showing clear signs. That is why taking care of health on a daily basis and having regular exams is what allows identifying 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 exams, see a doctor for a complete analysis. Each case needs to be evaluated individually for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Rebeca Soares Andrade CRM-GO 39335