1. Feeling of heaviness in the abdomen
“The liver is a quiet organ that usually doesn’t cause pain. However, in liver disease, it can enlarge and become severe. Persistent heaviness without an obvious cause isn’t always liver-related, but it can indicate a liver problem, especially in cases of excessive alcohol consumption or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,” explains the hepatologist. A medical consultation is necessary to determine whether the problem is intestinal, digestive, or hepatic, through a thorough clinical examination and specialized blood tests.
2. Chronic fatigue despite rest
“Severe fatigue that persists during periods of relaxation or despite adequate rest can signal more or less serious liver conditions, such as liver congestion, fatty liver disease, or even chronic hepatitis,” explains Professor Patrick Marcellin. “This is not classic muscle fatigue, but rather asthenia, manifesting as a general lack of interest, lack of energy, low mood, or even a depressive syndrome.” Discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor may order complete liver function tests, including transaminase and gamma-GT measurements, to assess liver function. Important: Intense fatigue can result from many other conditions, such as iron deficiency anemia, viral infection, or various nutritional deficiencies.
3. Black stools
The presence of black blood in the stool (tarry or tarry stools) or hematemesis (red or black) are often symptoms of advanced liver disease. “A damaged liver can become fibrotic and hardened. In this situation, blood flowing from the intestines to the liver through the portal vein is obstructed.
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