The liver is a large organ on the right side of the abdomen, protected by the ribs. The average healthy liver weighs 1.5 kilograms or more than three pounds. The main function of the liver is to clean the blood from the digestive tract.
In addition to the stomach, the liver plays an important role in digestion by secreting digestive enzymes that help break down and absorb food. The liver is also responsible for the production of some of the main components of blood digestion.
Causes of Liver
When the liver does not function as it should due to disease or injury, the body has complications that range from mild to life-threatening.
Several diseases that affect liver function include hepatitis, fatty liver disease, hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, and cancer. Some liver problems can be caused by alcohol and other lifestyle choices.
Symptoms of Liver Problems
Because of the many factors that can act as risk factors for liver problems, symptoms vary widely. However, these are some of the most common symptoms of liver problems.
- Jaundice
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the limbs
- Itches and rashes
- Dark urine
- Bloody stool, or dark stools
- Pain in the abdominal region
- Swelling in the abdominal region
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