How to tell if your liver hurts
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It is involved in metabolism, detoxification, protein production and storage. At the same time, however, it is often referred to as a silent organ because even when seriously damaged, it does not hurt for a long time.
Liver pain is not a common early symptom and often only appears in the more advanced stages of the disease. So how can you tell that something is wrong?
Where does liver pain manifest itself?
The liver is located in the upper right part of the abdomen, below the rib cage, just below the ribs. If pain occurs here, either as a dull pressure, uncomfortable tension or stabbing pain, it may be associated with inflammation, enlargement or overload.
However, it is important to know that pain in this area can also come from other organs. For example, from the gallbladder, stomach, pancreas or chest.
Symptoms that may indicate liver problems
Below is an overview of symptoms that may be related to the liver.
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Fatigue and weakness – chronic fatigue is one of the most common non-specific symptoms of liver disease.
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Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting – the liver is involved in digestion, so its dysfunction can lead to appetite disorders.
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Digestive problems – bloating, diarrhoea or, conversely, constipation, sometimes a feeling of fullness under the right rib.
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Change in urine and stool colour – dark urine and light (even grey) stool may be signs of bile flow disorders.
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Jaundice (icterus) – yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes is a serious symptom that signals elevated bilirubin levels in the blood.
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Itchy skin – a disorder of bile acid metabolism can cause them to accumulate, which causes itching.
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Feeling of pressure or pain under the right rib – more common with liver enlargement or inflammatory processes.
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Spider nevi and red palms – small vascular changes on the skin are a sign of chronic liver damage (e.g. in cirrhosis).
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Easy bruising – impaired production of coagulation factors in the liver can lead to clotting disorders.
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Mood swings, concentration disorders – advanced liver disorders can lead to hepatic encephalopathy.
What causes liver pain?
If you have pain in the liver area, there are several possible causes, but only a specialist can determine the exact cause with certainty. Therefore, do not rely on internet forums and consult your doctor instead.
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Hepatitis (liver inflammation) – viral origin (e.g. hepatitis A, B, C), alcohol, drugs or toxins.
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Fatty liver (steatosis) – often associated with obesity, diabetes or alcohol consumption.
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Vascular overload of the liver – e.g. in heart failure.
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Liver cyst or tumour – both benign and malignant growths can cause pressure.
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Vascular disease – e.g. thrombosis in the portal vein area.
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Swelling and enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly) – various causes can cause painful tension.
Alcohol and the liver: what is excessive alcohol consumption?
Alcohol consumption is often mentioned in connection with the liver. After all, it is the primary organ responsible for eliminating this chemical, which is dangerous to the body. The liver breaks down alcohol, but only in limited quantities. For most people, this is roughly 1 standard drink per hour (e.g. 0.5 l of beer, 2 dcl of wine or 0.5 dcl of spirits).
Frequent or excessive consumption (even ‘just a few drinks a day’ over a long period of time) can lead to:
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Fatty liver (alcoholic steatosis) – fat accumulates in the liver cells. The condition is often asymptomatic and reversible after stopping alcohol consumption.
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Alcoholic hepatitis – inflammation of the liver, often with symptoms (fatigue, nausea, pain under the ribs, jaundice).
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Cirrhosis of the liver – chronic damage to liver tissue, irreversible and potentially life-threatening. It can develop even without previous significant symptoms.
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Risk of liver cancer – cirrhosis significantly increases the risk of liver cancer.
Caution: Women, older people and people with lower body weight are more susceptible to the toxic effects of alcohol – the harmful amount may be lower for them.
How to support liver health naturally?
Although there is no such thing as a ‘miracle detox’, certain practices and substances can actually support liver health. Especially as a preventive measure or in cases of mild overload.
What can help improve liver condition
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Milk thistle (silymarin) – has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, supports liver cell regeneration.
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Artichoke – stimulates bile production and improves fat digestion.
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Curcumin (turmeric) – has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
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Green tea – rich in antioxidants, but be careful not to take excessive doses of extracts.
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Choline and B vitamins – important for proper fat metabolism in the liver.
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Sufficient fibre – supports the intestinal microbiome, which also affects the liver.
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Drinking regime – helps remove toxins and maintains an optimal metabolic environment.
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Limiting processed foods, sugar, alcohol and trans fats
What to watch out for
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Detoxification treatments promising miracles – some can actually put a strain on the liver.
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Unbalanced diets or starvation – can cause liver function to deteriorate (e.g. during sudden fat breakdown).
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Uncontrolled use of herbs or dietary supplements – some may be hepatotoxic (e.g. kava-kava, some Chinese herbs).
Diagnosis: how to tell if it really is the liver?
Abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant does not necessarily mean liver disease. Therefore, before making a diagnosis, the doctor will usually recommend:
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Blood tests (liver enzymes ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin)
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Abdominal ultrasound
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CT or magnetic resonance imaging
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Elastography (FibroScan) – to assess liver fibrosis
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Liver biopsy – in cases of suspected serious damage
What to do if you suspect liver problems?
Do not underestimate long-term fatigue, pain under the right rib cage or the above symptoms. Although the liver is capable of regeneration, chronic damage such as cirrhosis or carcinoma may be irreversible.
If you have risk factors (alcohol, obesity, high cholesterol, viral hepatitis), have your liver tests checked regularly by your GP.
In any case, it is always best solution to consult your situation with your GP.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/liver-pain
https://www.wikiskripta.eu/w/Jatern%C3%AD_encefalopatie
https://www.verywellhealth.com/liver-pain-8610851