Tips for Maintaining Liver Health
October is National Liver Awareness Month. At Physicians Premier, our focus extends beyond treating emergencies to preventive care and community education. Learn about the importance of liver health.
What Does the Liver Do?
- Bile Production – Essential for breaking down and digesting fats.
- Metabolizes Carbohydrates – Processes carbohydrates into usable energy for your body.
- Vitamin and Mineral Storage – Stores vital vitamins and minerals for when your body needs them.
- Filters the Blood – Removes toxins and waste to prevent them from entering the bloodstream.
What are the Most Common Liver Diseases?
- Cirrhosis – Chronic liver damage that affects its function over time.
- Hepatitis – An inflammation of the liver.
- Alcoholic Liver Disease – Damage to the liver due to prolonged alcohol misuse.
- Fatty Liver – Excessive fat accumulation in the liver.
- Liver Cancer – Abnormal and uncontrollable growth of cells in the liver.
How Can You Keep Your Liver Healthy?
- Adopt a Healthy Diet and Exercise Regularly – Provide your liver with the right nutrients and keep it active.
- Cutback on the Alcohol – Limit alcohol intake to avoid undue stress on the liver.
- Be Mindful of Prescription Drugs – Ensure you’re taking medications correctly and be aware of any potential drug interactions.
- Be Cautious When Exposed to Airborne Chemicals – Protect your liver by wearing masks and ensuring proper ventilation.
- Get Vaccinated – Protect your liver from potential harmful diseases.
Liver Awareness: Warning Signs to Go to the ER
For Children: Warning Signs
- Fatigue and overall malaise
- Decreased hunger
- Feeling queasy or vomiting
- Pain in the abdomen
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes accompanied by dark-colored urine and light-colored stool
- Muscle and joint discomfort
- Unintended weight reduction
- Skin itchiness
- Elevated body temperature
- Nosebleeds, easily bruising, and bleeding gums
- Missed or irregular menstrual cycles
- Loose stools (more prevalent in cases of autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis
When to Bring Your Child to the ER:
- If these symptoms persist or are coupled with vomiting or chronic pain, seek medical attention.
- Altered mental clarity, including symptoms like confusion, extreme drowsiness, delirium, and unconsciousness.
- Presence of blood in feces, which can appear as black and sticky, deep red, or vibrant red.
- Vomiting blood.
For Adults: Warning Signs
- Bleeding: My feces have a black, sticky appearance. I’m throwing up blood.
- Confusion: My thoughts are foggy. I’m too dazed and fatigued to function.
- Fever: I’m running a high temperature and can’t stop shivering.
- Jaundice: My eyes have taken on a yellowish hue.
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they’re persistent or severe, go to your San Antonio ER right away.
Physicians Premier is available 24/7/365. Whether it’s a major or minor emergency for adults or children, we’re fully equipped to handle it. We take pride in offering superior healthcare to the Texas communities we serve.
Sources:
“Liver: Anatomy and Functions,” John Hopkins University, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/liver-anatomy-and-functions
“Liver disease,” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/symptoms-causes/syc-20374502
“13 Ways to a Healthy Liver,” Liver Foundation, https://liverfoundation.org/resource-center/blog/13-ways-to-a-healthy-liver/
“Liver Failure,” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17819-liver-failure
