The liver plays a key role in our overall well-being. Other than detoxifying harmful substances, it also helps with digestion and storage of essential nutrients.
Poor liver health can open doors to serious conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer which is why medical professionals insist on timely appointments with a liver doctor if you suspect liver issues. See examples of specializations and qualifications of a good liver doctor in Singapore on this page: https://gastrohealth.com.sg/dr-bhavesh-kishor-doshi/.
When seeing a skilled liver doctor in Singapore, you can count on them for an accurate diagnosis, a personalized treatment plan, and crucial lifestyle advice to manage or reverse liver conditions. On this page, we explain the indications that it could be time to see a liver specialist.
How do you know when to go to the Doctor for your Liver?
The liver is a resilient organ which means that it can continue to function well even when damaged. So, symptoms may not appear until the liver is significantly compromised.
This is where regular check-ups and screenings come into play. These checkups are particularly important if you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or a family history of liver disease. If you suspect you have a liver problem, please see a liver specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you’re keen on the symptoms and wondering how do you know when to go to the doctor for your liver, here are some key changes to keep an eye on;
I. Swelling of the legs or ankles
This symptom is medically known as edema. It can occur when the liver is unable to properly regulate fluid levels.
Do keep in mind that the liver plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance in the body. So, when it’s not functioning properly, fluid can accumulate in the legs and ankles and cause swelling.
Edema can also be a sign of other serious conditions like kidney disease, for example. So, be sure to see a doctor for a proper evaluation.
II. Dark-colored urine
The regular color of urine can range from clear to pale yellow. Urine that is dark yellow or brownish in color especially if consistently dark in color and is not explained by dehydration or diet can be indicative of liver problems.
This discoloration is due to the presence of bilirubin, a substance produced by the liver. Normally, bilirubin is excreted in the urine.
However, when the liver is not functioning properly, bilirubin levels can build up and lead to the formation of darker urine. Dark urine can also be a sign of dehydration or other medical conditions, so it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis if you get dark urine.
III. Chronic fatigue
Feeling constantly tired or lacking energy, even after getting enough rest are not natural. Such feelings can be a sign of liver issues.
This is important because the liver plays a key role in energy metabolism. So when it’s not functioning properly, it can lead to fatigue.
IV. Decrease or loss of appetite
It is also not natural to experience a sudden decrease in appetite or unexplained weight loss. These changes too can hint at liver problems.
For example, the liver is tasked with producing bile. This compound is needed for the digestion of fats and when the liver is not functioning properly, it may not be produced in ideal amounts, a situation likely to lead to digestive issues and a loss of appetite.
V. Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, jaundice occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin in the body, which as earlier explained can be a sign of liver disease.
Jaundice can also cause the skin to itch. So, it isn’t wise to take yellowing of the skin so casually. It would be best to see a doctor if you notice any yellowing of the skin or eyes so you can get clarity on what exactly you’re dealing with.
VI. Itchy skin
Itchy skin is also medically known as pruritus. It can be a symptom of liver problems among other issues.
It can be suggestive of liver issues because the liver plays a key role in filtering toxins from the blood. And, when it’s not functioning properly, these toxins can build up in the body and lead to itching of the skin.
VII. Pale, bloody, or tar-colored stool
A pale or clay-colored stool could be due to a lack of bile in the stool. Since bile is produced by the liver to help with digestion, very clearly, lack of it may be suggestive of a liver problem.
So, bloody or tar-colored stool can also be a sign of liver issues. That said, get you or loved one assessed by a skilled liver doctor in Singapore should you notice such stool changes.
VIII. Nausea or vomiting, diarrhea
As already explained, the liver plays a key role in bile production, and when it’s not functioning properly, it can lead to digestive issues. Digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are some of the changes you may notice when you have liver problems.
As you probably understand, these symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions. So, it is not always about the liver. Just to be sure on what you’re dealing with, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
IX. Bruising easily
The liver produces clotting factors that are necessary for proper blood clotting. When the liver is not functioning properly, it can lead to easy bruising. So, you shouldn’t ignore it if you find yourself bruising easily or noticing bruises that are unexplained.
These bruises could be a sign of liver issues. Ask a reputed liver specialist in Singapore and if needed, schedule an assessment so you know for sure what you’re dealing with.
X. Abdominal pain or swelling
The liver is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. So, any pain or swelling in this area can indicate liver issues.
The pain in this case can radiate on the right shoulder or back. These symptoms are also associated with digestive issues though. So when inquiring with a liver doctor in Singapore, they may recommend an endoscopy to determine for sure what is responsible for your symptoms.
In Closing
The problem with liver problems is that the symptoms they give are also observed in other conditions that may be quite unrelated. So your best bet is a thorough assessment to get to the root cause of your symptoms. If you’re in Singapore and thinking of seeing a liver specialist, we recommend that you get in touch with the Gastrohealth Center for Digestive and Liver Care today. Details;
Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Health Screening | EUS and ERCP Singapore
6A Napier Road,
Annexe Block #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital
Singapore 258500
820 Thomson Road,
#06-07 Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A Singapore 574623
+65 6355 5773
