Initial Symptoms
- Fatigue: Experiencing unusual tiredness or weakness, even after sufficient rest.
- Abdominal Discomfort: Mild pain or discomfort in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen.
Worsening Symptoms
- Abdominal Swelling: Noticeable swelling in the abdomen, known as ascites, due to fluid accumulation.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, resulting from elevated bilirubin levels.
- Enlarged Liver: A sensation of fullness or heaviness in the upper right abdomen caused by liver enlargement.
- Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss and muscle wasting.
- Loss of Appetite: Decreased interest in food and a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Ongoing nausea accompanied by occasional vomiting.
- Dark Urine: Urine that appears darker than usual, indicating potential liver dysfunction.
- Pale Stools: Light-colored stools due to issues with bile production.
- Itchy Skin: Persistent itching attributed to bile salt deposits in the skin.
- Confusion or Difficulty Concentrating: Mental confusion, memory issues, or trouble focusing, a condition known as hepatic encephalopathy.
- Easy Bruising or Bleeding: Increased susceptibility to bruising or bleeding due to impaired liver function.
Severe Symptoms
- Swelling in Legs and Ankles: Fluid retention in the lower extremities, known as edema.
- Spider-Like Blood Vessels: Visible spider veins appearing on the skin, especially on the face and upper body.
- Gynecomastia: Enlargement of breast tissue in men.
- Red Palms: Reddish discoloration of the palms, referred to as palmar erythema.
Worsening fatty liver can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis or liver failure if not treated. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and management.
Source: quora.com by Audrey Watkins
