The liver is an important organ that is vital to a person’s vitality and health. It has many functions such as secreting bile to aid in digestion, detoxification and absorption of vital nutrients that the body needs to survive. A few people are born with liver problems, while most people suffer from damage to their liver due to exposure to harmful chemicals, alcohol abuse or viral infections. Therefore, we should not ignore the early signs of liver problems and should seek medical help to ensure timely and proper treatment. So, what are the early signs of liver problems? Let’s briefly explain: 1. Skin changes One of the early signs of liver problems is a sudden skin change, i.e., a yellowing of the skin. This also means that the nails or fingertips turn yellow. This happens because the liver does not release toxins from the body smoothly and bilirubin (a metabolite of hemoglobin) accumulates under the skin; 2. Itchy or overly sensitive skin Early signs of liver problems can occur within the skin. This is the itching of the skin that gets progressively worse over time. Skin that is easily irritated or easily inflamed after itching may also be a sign of liver problems. Keeping the skin moist will help alleviate some of the skin discomfort; 3. Changes in urine and stool characteristics Some people whose livers are not working properly may notice changes in when they go to the bathroom that appear in their urine. Their urine will deepen in color. Some people may say this has to do with drinking less water, but if normal people increase the amount of water they drink, their urine will become clearer, whereas in people with liver disease, their urine will not become clearer. Others with early liver problems will say that their stools may be pale, bloody or tarry; 4. Changes in the abdomen Changes in the abdomen are an early sign of liver problems and may start with cramping or pain in the upper right abdomen, which can then be followed quickly by a feeling of abdominal distention. As the liver problem gradually worsens, fluid builds up in the abdominal wall and ascites will begin to appear. As the amount of ascites becomes larger, the ascites can put pressure on the chest cavity and compress the lungs making it difficult for the patient to breathe. At this point in treatment it is necessary to perform an abdominal puncture to release fluid; 5. Fatigue If you experience any of the following physical changes, such as feeling extremely weak, fatigued or chronically tired, this may also be an early sign of liver problems. This is due to the fact that the body will work harder to keep you alive and therefore the body needs more rest. If you are experiencing weakness and constant fatigue throughout your body and other related symptoms, it is recommended that you seek medical attention! We have briefly introduced the early signs of liver disease above and hope that we can help you. We wish you good health!