Painful liver causes

Liver Pain

Pain in the liver may be a consequence of various health problems. If the function of the liver is impaired, you may feel pain beneath the ribs, which can spread to the back or abdomen. The most common liver diseases which cause pain include hepatitis, cirrhosis and fatty liver disease. Diseases such as gallstones and pancreatitis can also cause liver pain.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver which can be a consequence of parasitic, bacterial or viral infection. The symptoms of hepatitis may include pain in the abdomen, changes in color of the urine and stool, itchiness of the skin, jaundice and loss of weight. You may also experience nausea, vomiting and pain in the muscles. Since there are different types of hepatitis, the treatment will depend on the exact diagnose.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a condition which includes scarring and damage of the liver. The most common cause of cirrhosis is long term and excessive consumption of alcohol. In the early stages cirrhosis does not have any symptoms, but later stages may include nausea, loss of appetite, loss of weight, fatigue, bloating and swelling of the legs. You may also notice that you become easily bruised and that you bleed more than usual. You should cut down alcohol consumption and introduce healthy food in your diet to prevent further damage to your liver.

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is a condition when fat accumulates in the liver. This disease usually does not have any symptoms, but if they do appear, they may include pain in the upper abdomen, loss of weight and fatigue. The treatment of fatty liver disease typically involves lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and regular exercises. You should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish. You should avoid alcohol and saturated fat.

Gallstones

The gallbladder is a small organ beneath the liver. The common problem concerning the gallbladder are gallstones. They are solid objects which can vary in size. If the gallstones are small, they do not cause any symptoms and they can disappear on their own. In more severe cases, they can cause sharp and sever pain in the abdomen, back and right shoulder. The treatment depends on the size of the stones and it can include medications or surgery.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The symptoms of this disease include pain in the upper abdomen, which spreads to the back and worsens after a meal. Other symptoms are tenderness of the abdomen, nausea and vomiting. Pancreatitis is usually treated in hospital and the treatment includes medications or surgery.