posted: Jun. 04, 2024.
The liver is the largest organ inside the body, the skin is the largest organ overall. It has several very important jobs and interacts with many of the other systems in the body. Knowing some of the signs and symptoms of liver disease can save your life. Dr. Adalbert Pilip and Dr. Kamal Nayyar of New York Comprehensive Medical Care diagnose and treat liver disease in Smithtown & Bohemia, NY.
When liver disease is in the early stages, in most cases it does not have many symptoms. Once you start to have symptoms, there is already damage to the liver.
Jaundice
Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It is the result of increased levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Urine is also dark-colored due to the bilirubin being excreted through the kidneys. Bilirubin can be responsible for blockage of the bile ducts in the liver. Many times, jaundice is the first and only symptom early in the progression of liver disease.
An Enlarged Liver
The liver is a large organ. At its normal size, it is about three pounds. It is located in the upper right-hand quadrant of the abdominal cavity. Normally, you don’t feel your liver, but if it is enlarged it may be able to be felt below the rib cage. Your doctor will try to feel your liver if there is any suspicion that you have liver disease.
Portal Hypertension
If you have liver disease in Smithtown & Bohemia, NY, you may develop portal hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the portal vein. This vein carries blood from the spleen and the intestines.
Esophageal Varices
Esophageal varices are blood vessels in the esophagus that are dilated and they bleed. These are usually a sign of severe liver disease. These are often the result of portal hypertension which causes the growth of collateral blood vessels, and eventually, they grow from the liver to the lower esophagus.
Ascites
Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. It causes a distended stomach. It can cause shortness of breath and discomfort.
Liver encephalopathy
When liver encephalopathy happens, it is caused by a build-up of toxic substances in the body due to the damage to the liver. It causes impaired thinking, mood changes, and changes in personality. It causes confusion, coma, and, in rare cases, seizures.
Contact us
If you suspect you have liver disease, Smithtown & Bohemia, NY Dr. Pilip and Dr. Nayyar of New York Comprehensive Medical Care can make sure that you get the treatment that you need. Give the office a call at (631) 656-9040 for an appointment today.