6 subtle signs that your liver is not healthy

Man holding his abdomen

The liver is very capable of repairing damaged cells, however, after a sustained amount of damage, these cells cannot heal anymore which causes cirrhosis. The problem is many people do not notice the symptoms at first due to them being so non-specific. There are 6 subtle signs which could suggest your liver might be suffering:

1. Itchy Skin:
Itchy skin is often not taken seriously unless there is a rash. Itchy skin can, however, occur when there is bile present in the bloodstream due to liver damage.

2. Spider angiomas:
These are small capillaries visible under the skin. It is caused by higher levels of oestrogen. This is an indication of the liver not functioning properly and not metabolizing hormones.

3. Bruising and bleeding:
Bruising or bleeding easily after being injured, this could be a sign your liver is not healthy due to the proteins needed to clot blood not being produced in sufficient amounts.

4. Bad breath:
Even though bad breath might be an indication of many health problems, it can also be a sign of liver damage. The bad breath can be caused due to the high levels of dimethyl sulphide.

5. Blemishes and hyperpigmentation on face:
Brown pigmentating can occur if the liver is not working as it should. According to Health24 ”When the liver is not functioning properly, oestrogen in the system increases. This causes a substance named tyrosinase, an enzyme-containing copper, to produce more melanin (skin pigmentation) and causes blemishes on the face or the entire body.”

6. Red palms:
Burning itchy red hand palms can be a sign of liver damage. This occurs as a result of abnormal hormone levels in the blood.

It is important to take notice of symptoms like this and contact your general practitioner to make sure everything is alright.

References:

7 subtle signs that your liver is not healthy

Medical Gap Cover Questions & Queries

A Gap Cover plan is what you can also get, in order to cover any medical aid in-hospital shortfalls. Having a medical aid is the first step, but even then, you might have to cover costs to cover the differences between what a doctor may charge over and above medical aid rates.

If you have any more queries or questions regarding anything related to TRA Gap Cover, why not reach out to our helpful specialists here. You can also visit our Gap Cover here.

Note: All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice, general advice, or instruction of any kind. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals and/or intermediaries, or other relevant professionals, on any matter relating to their health and overall well-being. The information and opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgement available to the authors at the time, and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health and/or financial authorities etc. assume the risk of any injuries and/or liabilities etc. Please note that Gap Cover is not a medical aid, and it is not a substitute for medical aid. Errors and Omissions Excepted. Terms and Conditions Apply.

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