The liver is an organ the size of a football. It is located on the right side of your abdomen, just below your rib cage. The liver is essential for digestion and removal of toxins from the body.
Liver disease can be hereditary (inherited). Liver damage can also be caused by many factors that damage the liver, including viruses, alcohol consumption, and obesity.
Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring (cirrhosis), which can lead to liver failure and life-threatening conditions. But early treatment gives the liver time to heal.
Liver disease does not always cause noticeable signs and symptoms. If symptoms of liver disease occur, they may include:
Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
Abdominal pain and swelling
Swelling of feet and ankles
Itchy skin
Black urine
Pale color of stool
Chronic fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Easy to bruise
When to see a doctor?
If you have persistent symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor. If the abdominal pain is so severe that you cannot stay still, seek immediate medical attention.