Liver health: 7 warning signs
The liver is a vital organ with essential roles in digestion, detoxification and metabolism. Often liver problems can develop silently, and identifying early signs is crucial to intervene effectively and maintain optimal health.
At Elytis, we understand the importance of liver health and offer internal medicine services focused on early diagnosis and personalized treatment.
This article explores 7 signs that your liver needs help, highlighting the importance of a proactive approach.
Internal medicine: an integrated approach for your health
Before delving deeper into the signs of liver problems, it's important to understand the role of internal medicine.
At Elytis, internal medicine is the medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the internal organs. Our team of experienced internal medicine specialists takes a holistic view of the patient, identifying risk factors, managing chronic diseases and proposing tailored therapeutic solutions.
Our main objective is to help you maintain or regain your balance and well-being, no matter how complex your health problems are.
7 signs your liver needs help
The liver is a resilient organ, but overwork or certain conditions can affect its functioning. Here are 7 subtle signs that should alert you:
- Persistent fatigue: feeling chronically tired, even after rest, can be a sign that your liver is not working optimally. The liver plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, and its dysfunction can lead to low energy levels.
- Changes in skin and eye color (jaundice): yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, known as jaundice, is a classic sign of liver problems. It occurs due to a build-up of bilirubin, a bile pigment, in the blood.
- Dark urine and light-colored stools: changes in urine color (dark) and stool color (light) may indicate problems with bile flow, a process essential for digestion and elimination of toxins.
- Abdominal pain or discomfort: pain or discomfort in the upper right part of the abdomen may be a sign of liver inflammation or enlargement.
- Swelling of the legs and ankles (oedema): fluid retention, manifested by swelling of the legs and ankles, can be a symptom of liver failure.
- Itchy skin: persistent itching, without a visible rash, can be caused by a build-up of toxic substances in the blood that the liver cannot remove effectively.
- Nausea and loss of appetite: liver problems can affect digestion and metabolism, which can lead to nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
The importance of early diagnosis of liver disease
Early diagnosis of liver disease is essential to prevent serious complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. The earlier a liver problem is identified, the better the chances of successful treatment and full recovery.
How can Elytis help you?
At Elytis, we offer a full range of internal medicine services to evaluate and treat liver diseases:
- Detailed clinical assessment: your internist will review your medical history, lifestyle and risk factors to fully understand the possible causes of liver problems.
- Early and accurate diagnosis: we use advanced laboratory tests, imaging investigations (ultrasound, CT, MRI) and, if necessary, liver biopsy to establish a correct diagnosis at an early stage.
- Chronic liver disease management: we offer personalized treatment plans for chronic liver conditions such as viral hepatitis, fatty liver or cirrhosis.
- Prevention and medical education: we promote a healthy lifestyle, provide nutritional counseling and physical activity recommendations to reduce the risk of liver disease.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: depending on the needs, the internist collaborates with specialists in gastroenterology, hepatology or other specialties to ensure a holistic and comprehensive approach to the patient.
Your path to better health at Elytis
If you seem to suffer from any of the above signs or have liver health concerns, here's how we can help:
- Appointment and initial assessment: we set up an appointment to discuss your symptoms, medical history and any tests already done.
- Diagnosis and treatment plan: after evaluating the results, the internist proposes appropriate treatment options and recommends referral to other specialties if necessary.
- Implementation and monitoring: we keep a close eye on your health, adjust your treatment and provide ongoing support.
- Prevention and long-term follow-up: we offer prevention advice and schedule regular check-ups so you maintain your results and prevent relapse.
Liver health is essential for a long and active life. Don't ignore subtle signs that may indicate liver problems.
At Elytis, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality medical care with professionalism, empathy and a patient-centered approach. Through early diagnosis, personalized treatment and ongoing support, we help you maintain or regain liver health and enjoy a balanced life.
If you have liver health questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us for an appointment. Our team of internists at Elytis is ready to help.
Latest medical review:
11.06.2025, Dr. Ana Maria Eva - Specialist Internal Medicine
References:
- "The 5 symptoms that show you have liver problems". Medicover, 2022.
- "Symptoms of liver disease". British Liver Trust, 2025.