Take action early
Your liver is also amazingly good at repairing itself. But it can only take so much, getting help now could help it to heal and could stop you from becoming unwell.
If you think you could be at risk of liver disease do not wait until you have symptoms to get help.
Many people will not get any symptoms until they are already very unwell. So it is important to find out if you could be at risk, and what you can do now to help your liver.
On this page you can find out about risk factors and symptoms. If you think any of these apply to you then contact your GP. Even if you cannot get an appointment quickly, get in touch with them and set one up.
Risk factors
There are lots of different types of liver disease and lots of different causes. It is hard to predict who will get liver disease. But we do know that some things can increase your risk.
If you have any of these risk factors, ask your GP to check your liver.
- You regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol each week
- You have obesity (a BMI of more than 30)
- You have type 2 diabetes
- You could be at risk of viral hepatitis
Some types of liver disease can be passed on in families. Some are caused by a problem with the immune system.
Find out more about the risks and causes of liver disease
You can also use our free online at-risk checker to find out about your risk factors. It is completely confidential, and the results will not be shared with your doctor or anyone else.
Symptoms
Many people have no symptoms of liver disease until they are very seriously ill. If you could be at risk of liver disease do not wait for symptoms before seeking help.
Your liver has around 500 different jobs and liver disease affects everyone differently. So the list of possible symptoms is long.
If you have early symptoms, they can be quite hard to notice. Or could be similar to symptoms for other conditions. For example, feeling tired, sick or having tummy pain.
Later symptoms can include:
- Jaundice (a yellow or golden colour to your eyes or skin)
- Swelling in your tummy, legs, ankles or feet
- Forgetfulness or confusion
- Staggering when walking or falling more often
If you have any symptoms of liver disease talk to your GP.
Health information
Red Flag Symptoms
If you develop any of these symptoms go to a hospital emergency department (A and E) or call 999 straight away:
- vomiting blood
- feeling like you cannot get enough air when you breath
- very dark black or tar like poo
- feeling unusually confused or finding it hard to stay awake
These symptoms might not be caused by a liver problem, but it is important to get them checked out immediately
Looking after your liver
Many types of liver disease can be prevented. And even if some damage has been done it can often repair itself if the cause is taken away.
You cannot detox your liver and there are no supplements or specific foods that will help it heal. But there are things you can do now that could make a big difference:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Be active or take regular exercise
- If you drink alcohol, stick to the guideline amounts
- If you might be at risk of viral hepatitis, get a test
Making these changes can be hard. Getting support or teaming up with others to make the change together can help. You can also ask your local GP surgery what support is available in your area.
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