Liver damage can happen for a number reasons, such as heredity, long-term disease, or toxicity. Over time the damage can become liver disease, also referred to as hepatic disease. Though the term is broad, it does mean that the liver is failing. In order for someone to be diagnosed with liver disease, about seventy-five percent of the liver’s tissue to be damaged or disrupted.
Since the liver is responsible for a number of functions, including bile production and secretion. Because of this, you do not want your liver to fail. Here are signs of liver damage to look out for.
Swollen Legs
Serious liver damage often causing swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs. The condition is also called edema. This happens when the impaired liver inhibits the production and circulation of certain proteins. In turn, circulatory issues occur within the lower extremities, because gravity will naturally pull fluid to the lowest parts of the body.
If you have liver-disease edema, you will notice that if you press down on the areas retaining fluid, the imprints of your fingers will remain for a few seconds longer than normal. Swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles can be worsened by decreased kidney efficiency, which is often secondary to impaired liver function. Sometimes, edema will spread into the abdomen as well.
Fortunately, most of this swelling can be treated with diuretics by triggering the need to urinate. If diuretics fail, more aggressive measures, such as surgically draining the fluid, may be required.
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