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Fatty liver disease: Four signs on your feet of ‘life threatening’ organ damage

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Before a “life-threatening” incident occurs, such as liver failure, the body begin to show signs of toxicity – would you know what to look out for? As scar tissues progressively replaces healthy liver tissue, the feet may begin to change in appearance. The NHS warned that the skin may begin to take on a yellowish hue.

Medically known as jaundice, if you notice that your feet are turning yellow, you need to seek medical advice from a doctor.

Another serious indication of extensive liver damage is when the feet begins to itch.

Not only will the feet itch, skin elsewhere may begin to itch.

Swollen legs, near the ankles and feet, could also be a warning sign of cirrhosis (i.e. a scarred liver).

You may find that the feet begin to bruise easily too, as well as easy bruising on the skin in general.

Four warning signs of a severely damaged liver:

  • Yellow skin
  • Itchy skin
  • Bruising easily
  • Swollen lower limbs.
  • Other signs might include:
  • Vomiting blood
  • Dark pee and tarry-looking poo
  • Loss of libido.

“See a GP if you think you may have cirrhosis,” the NHS instructed.

Medical News Today added that cirrhosis can be “life-threatening”.

While there is no cure for cirrhosis, treatment will focus on managing symptoms and helping to prevent deadly complications.

“You may be advised to cut down or stop drinking alcohol, or to lose weight if you’re overweight,” the NHS stated.

Moreover, some people might be required to be put on an organ donor list for a liver transplant.

A liver transplant can be a lengthy process as there are more people who need a liver transplant than there are the number of donors.

On average, it can take more than two months to get a liver transplant on the NHS.

In the lead-up to a liver transplant, you will need to do all that you can to lead a healthy life.

The NHS gave the following examples on how to be healthier:

  • Be a non-smoker
  • Exercise regularly, if you can
  • Make sure all vaccinations are up to date
  • Eat healthily.

Before allowing fatty liver disease to cut your life short, it might help to be aware of earlier indications of an inflamed liver.

Symptoms may include: stomach pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, and generally feeling unwell.

Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any troubling symptoms.

Together, you and your doctor can work out the best course of action to take.

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