By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: 4 Signs You Need to Take a Liver Function Test
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Diagnostics > 4 Signs You Need to Take a Liver Function Test
DiagnosticsWellness

4 Signs You Need to Take a Liver Function Test

Phil Cohen
Phil Cohen
Share
4 Min Read
Image
SHARE

The liver is the most important organ in the human body, behind the brain and the heart. It regulates metabolism, detoxifies the blood and the rest of the body, and forms compounds that form blood clots. It’s because the liver is responsible for so many functions that when it starts to decline, everything else follows it. Acute liver failure (ALF) is a condition that develops quickly, and can very suddenly send an otherwise healthy person into an ICU. It’s not common, and many of the symptoms mirror that of other diseases and conditions. That, combined with its rapid progression and high mortality rate, make it a red flag to watch out for. Some behaviors and medications can increase the likelihood of developing ALF, including Acetaminophen overdose (caused by taking more than the recommended dosage daily for several days), certain prescription medications, Hepatitis, Cancer, obesity, and alcoholism.

Contents
  • Jaundice
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Loss of Appetite

Jaundice

You may be familiar with the appearance of jaundice in the context of newborn babies, but it’s a symptom that manifests in adults as well. This is a common symptom of poor liver function, and results as a high level of bilirubin (bile pigment) in the bloodstream. This heightened level of bile pigment points to an inflammation of the liver cells. It’s not a coincidence that it’s at the top of this list. This symptom is often the only visual sign of liver disease, so if you notice someone’s skin taking on a yellow shade, seek medical attention immediately.

Abdominal Pain

Pain and tenderness in the upper-abdominal area can be a symptom of liver failure. This is often accompanied with bloating because it’s caused by a build-up of fluid in the liver. Localized abdominal pain and tenderness should never be ignored, especially if the pain is severe enough that sitting still is difficult.

Extreme Fatigue

Liver failure can cause fatigue as a result of the bloodstream being overloaded with toxins. When there are too many toxins in the blood, the amount of oxygen it can carry is limited, which in turn reduces the nutrients our bodies need to produce energy. If you suddenly find yourself overly fatigued without any other factors that could cause it, pay close attention to your body — it’s probably trying to tell you something.

More Read

Mobile Health Around the Globe: Nokia Sensing XCHALLENGE mHealth Finalists
Will Shear Wave Elastography Make an Impact in Liver Disease?
Quick Blood Test to Spot SCID In Infants
Top 3 Wellness Tips For Women To Feel Happy And Healthy
How Wellness Centers Can Turn it Up a Notch to Drive Business

Loss of Appetite

When we are really sick, our body rejects food through severe appetite suppression. This is especially common in the case of major organ failure. If your appetite drops off, combined with any of these other symptoms, don’t ignore it. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. These symptoms are the most common signs of liver failure. To prevent falling victim to this condition, take care of yourself. Keep your drinking to a moderate level, get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B at Health Testing Centers, follow your doctor’s instructions about medication dosage, and watch your weight. Above all, knowing the symptoms and catching it before it’s too late are the keys for surviving liver failure. Keep these tips in mind and stay in tune with your body to prevent this fatal condition. (liver test / shutterstock)

TAGGED:liver health
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

Medical Homes
Health ReformHome HealthPublic Health

The Difference Between Patient-Centered Medical Homes and Medicaid Health Homes (In Plain English)

April 30, 2013

How to Increase Height with Food and Exercises

June 13, 2018
personal injury law and well-being
News

How Personal Injury Law Supports Your Wellbeing

August 12, 2023

New Study Challenges Current Notions of Breast Cancer Biopsy Abnormalities

February 5, 2014
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?