Your liver is a football-sized organ that sits under your ribs. It works as your body’s processing plant. Among its more than 500 jobs are to convert food from the small intestine into substances that help you absorb fat and fight off diseases, stockpile energy, and filter and clean your blood….CONTINUE READING
Even though it’s the largest organ inside your body, it can be hard to pinpoint the pain from your liver. It’s easy to confuse it with pain from your stomach, just to its left. Depending on the cause, a liver that hurts may show up as pain in the front center of your belly, in your back, or even your shoulders.
According to WebMD, your liver doesn’t actually have any pain receptors. Usually, the pain happens because the membrane that surrounds it is inflamed from an illness or injury.
According to Medicalnewstoday, symptoms of liver disease often do not appear until the condition is advanced, so it is important to be aware of liver pain and other symptoms that could signal a liver disorder.
Patients should seek immediate medical treatment if they experience any of the following:
1. severe pain, especially in the abdomen
2. fever
3. dark urine
4. pale, bloody, or tar-colored stools
5. nausea and vomiting
6. weight loss
7. yellowish skin
8. severe tenderness when touching the abdomen
9. swelling in the abdomen or in the legs and ankles
10. itchy skin
11. chronic fatigue
12. loss of appetite.
Here are some parts of the body where you may notice pain when the liver is having issues according to healthline.
Back Pain: Liver problems can cause pain in the upper back, particularly between the shoulder blades. This pain may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or pressure. Pay attention to any unexplained back pain and discuss it with your doctor to rule out liver-related issues.
Abdominal Pain: The most common area to experience liver-related pain is in the upper right side of the abdomen. This pain can be dull, aching, or sharp and may radiate to the back or shoulder. If you notice persistent abdominal discomfort, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.
Shoulder Pain: Liver issues can also manifest as pain in the right shoulder. This pain may be sharp and intermittent or a constant dull ache. If you experience shoulder pain without any apparent cause, it’s worth considering liver health as a potential factor.
Leg and Ankle Swelling: Liver problems can lead to fluid retention in the body, resulting in swelling in the legs and ankles. If you notice persistent swelling in these areas, consult a healthcare professional to investigate possible liver dysfunction.
Chest Pain: Liver dysfunction can cause discomfort in the chest, often on the right side. This pain may be confused with cardiac-related issues, so it’s crucial to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause accurately.
If you experience any of the aforementioned pain or symptoms associated with liver issues, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. They may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, ultrasound, or imaging studies to assess the liver’s condition accurately.
In addition to seeking medical advice, there are steps you can take to support your liver health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
It is also important to stay hydrated and limit the intake of processed foods and substances that may burden the liver, such as certain medications or toxins….CONTINUE READING