Fatty liver disease often produces no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms occur, they may be vague and difficult to distinguish from other health problems. The following seven signs are worth understanding, but none can establish a diagnosis on its own.
1. Persistent fatigue
Some people with liver disease report feeling unusually tired or lacking energy. However, fatigue is common and may also result from anemia, poor sleep, stress, thyroid disorders, infections, or other conditions. Persistent exhaustion deserves attention, especially when it interferes with daily activities.
2. Discomfort beneath the right ribs
The liver is located in the upper-right part of the abdomen. Some people with liver enlargement or related conditions experience a dull ache or pressure in this area. Yet gallbladder problems, digestive conditions, and muscle pain can cause similar discomfort.
3. Reduced appetite or nausea
Changes in appetite and nausea can accompany various liver disorders, particularly when disease is more advanced. These symptoms are nonspecific, however, and may be associated with medication effects, digestive illness, pregnancy, or many other causes.
4. Itchy skin
Persistent itching can occur in certain liver and bile-duct disorders, particularly when bile flow is impaired. It is not a reliable early warning sign of uncomplicated fatty liver disease. Dry skin, eczema, allergies, and medication reactions are also common causes.
5. Yellowing of the eyes or skin
Jaundice occurs when bilirubin accumulates in the body. It can indicate liver dysfunction, a bile-duct problem, or another medical condition. Jaundice is not typical of early fatty liver disease and should be assessed promptly.
6. Swelling of the abdomen or legs