Bhanu Garg in Health

Is itching a sign of Liver Problems 2023 Updated

Mild or infrequent instances of itching are typically no reason for stress or concern. However, regular or chronic Itchy can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as liver disease or diabetes. This requires prompt medical attention if symptoms are severe and causing discomfort. You can consult a gastroenterologist if liver issues cause consistent itching. However, itching is not experienced by everyone who has liver disease, and the particular reasons for this itching are still unclear. Furthermore, this blog will help you understand what causes itching in liver illness, other indications of the diseased liver, and why you should visit a doctor.

Why causes itching in Liver diseases?

Although medical researchers have yet to find a specific component responsible for itching in liver illness, it may result from a mix of variables. Here are some of the factors that may cause itching due to liver illnesses:

Bile salts – If you have liver illness, you may have increased levels of bile salt collecting under your skin, causing itching. Not everyone with high bile salt levels feels itchy, and some people are itchy while having a normal bile salt level.
Histamine – Some persons who suffer from itching have increased histamine levels. However, anti-allergy medicines are seldom successful in curing it.
Serotonin – Serotonin has been shown to alter itching sensation. That may be why selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help people control itching.
Female sex hormones – Itching might become more severe during pregnancy or hormone replacement medication.
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and autotoxin (an enzyme forming LPA) – LPA impact a variety of cellular activities. LPA levels may be increased in those who suffer from itching or have liver illness.

What could be another possible cause of itching?

There could be various possible causes of itching other than liver disease. These other reasons for skin itching, also known as pruritus, are typically harmless. They are frequently associated with temporary issues, such as dry skin or an insect bite. The following are some possible causes of itchy skin, which includes:

atopic eczema
psoriasis
dry skin
heat rash
Irritating chemicals, cosmetics

Does itching indicate a development or prognosis of liver disease?

Itching is occasionally associated with liver failure. However, itching can occur early in liver disease, before you even realize you have it. Pruritus (itchy skin) can arise at any stage of liver disease. This symptom alone indicates nothing about liver disease’s severity, progression, or prognosis.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t a major issue. Itching that continues can contribute to:

insomnia
fatigue
anxiety
depression
reduced quality of life

What are the common indications of liver disease?

Liver illness does not usually indicate any visible signs and symptoms. If you do have liver disease, you may notice the following signs and symptoms:

Yellow eyes – Yellow eyes are the most definite indicator of liver illness. The liver normally breaks down bile to remove it from the body, but when the liver is suffering, bile can build up, which may cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eye whites). Some causes of jaundice include viral infections, gallstones, toxic medication or medicine reactions, liver illness, and diseases that induce excessive red blood cell breakdown.
Fatigue & tiredness – The symptom is one of the most common and often experienced symptoms that suggest liver damage or failure. This experience of extreme exhaustion and fatigue occurs not only physically but also mentally. Though fatigue is a symptom associated with liver impairment, the illness may even be experienced in numerous conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and thyroid.
Bruising – Protein is important in the body since it aids in blood clotting after an injury. It doesn’t produce enough protein for blood clotting unless the liver is injured. You will bleed and bruise easily. Aside from liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause bruising.
Loss of Appetite – A loss of appetite is another typical symptom associated with liver disease. In the case of hepatitis and a liver illness, stomach pain is frequently the first symptom to develop. You may also have stomach pain in addition to a loss of appetite.
Swelling the legs /and ankle – Due to the liver’s inability to function properly, liver illness can cause foot and ankle swelling. This causes swelling by collecting fluid in your legs and feet. If you are experiencing swollen leg and ankle problems, you can consult a liver disease specialist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Dark urine color – Dark urine (orange, brown, orange and yellow, or cola-colored) and light-colored stools (lighter than normal) combined with a variety of possibly fatal liver diseases. This may include Liver Cancer, Cirrhosis, Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, & E), Bile Duct Obstruction, and Alcoholic Liver Disease.

Ignoring all these symptoms mentioned above can be life-threatening as the early diagnosis is the best approach to ineffective treatment. You can consult a liver disease specialist for managing or treating such symptoms.

When should you see a doctor?

A variety of factors can cause itching caused by liver disease. Severe itching can cause various other problems, so it’s critical to consult your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. If you have liver disease, see your doctor if you notice any new or worsening symptoms. This includes frequent itchiness. While it may not indicate anything about illness progression or prognosis, you won’t know for sure without a full examination. Tell your doctor if you’re having difficulties sleeping or if the itching harms your quality of life.

How to get help – Credihealth can help you find the best gastroenterologist in Hyderabad for liver illness treatment. On Credihealth, you may discover the finest hospital or doctor for liver disease treatment based on information such as admission fee and OPD hours, facilities, and treatment option availability. The healthcare portal allows you to book appointments with hospitals and doctors, purchase drugs online, schedule lab tests, and hire a home attendant.

Credihealth offers teleconsultations, expert advice, second opinions, and estimated treatment costs in a single click to make your life easier. Questions concerning healthcare services can be sent to support@credihealth.com or called in at 8010-994-994.

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