Liver diseases: quick, practical guide to symptoms, tests and care

If you worry about your liver, start with symptoms you can notice at home. Look for yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, belly pain, swelling, unusual tiredness, or itchy skin. These signs don't prove liver disease, but they mean you should see a doctor sooner rather than later.

Common types and what they look like

Hepatitis (A, B, C) is inflammation caused by viruses. Hepatitis A usually comes from food or water and is often short-lived. Hepatitis B and C can become long-term and quietly damage the liver over years. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) links to being overweight, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol. Alcohol-related liver disease shows up after long heavy drinking. Advanced damage leads to fibrosis and cirrhosis, which can cause fluid build-up, bleeding, and confusion.

Symptoms vary. Early liver disease often feels like low energy or mild belly discomfort. More serious problems bring jaundice, swelling in the legs or belly, easy bruising, or mental fog. If you get sudden severe belly pain, vomiting blood, or confusion, go to the ER right away.

Tests, treatment, and daily care

Doctors start with blood tests: ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin show how the liver is working. They may order imaging (ultrasound, CT) or a FibroScan to check scarring. Sometimes a liver biopsy is needed, but not always.

Treatment depends on the cause. Viral hepatitis has effective antiviral medicines now—ask your doctor about options. For NAFLD, losing 5–10% of body weight often helps. Stop drinking alcohol if alcohol-related damage is suspected. Medicines can manage complications like fluid or itching. In end-stage liver failure, a transplant may be the only option.

Everyday steps protect your liver. Don’t mix alcohol with medications that stress the liver. Watch acetaminophen (Tylenol): keep to recommended doses and avoid combining products with the same drug. Talk to your doctor before starting supplements; some herbal products can harm the liver. Keep vaccines up-to-date: hepatitis A and B vaccines are available and helpful.

Ask your doctor about routine monitoring if you have risk factors: high BMI, diabetes, heavy alcohol use, or a family history of liver disease. Regular blood tests and imaging catch problems early when treatment can help most.

When you see a specialist, bring a list of medications, supplements, and a short history of alcohol use and weight changes. That makes appointments faster and more useful for you and your doctor.

You don’t need to figure this out alone. A clear plan—tests, lifestyle steps, and follow-up—gives the best chance to keep your liver healthy or slow down damage if it’s already there.