The American Liver Foundation warns that anything preventing the liver from functioning properly—or from regenerating after injury—can be life-threatening. Causes include inflammation, scarring, cancer, excessive alcohol consumption, drug toxicity (such as overuse of Tylenol), and exposure to harmful substances. While liver disease occurs internally, the body often displays external warning signs.

1. Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes

A telltale sign of liver issues is jaundice, a condition where the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow due to excess bilirubin in the blood. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, this occurs when the liver can’t properly process bilirubin. The U.K.’s National Health Service notes that jaundice can result from hepatitis, cancer, alcohol abuse, drug toxicity (such as ecstasy), or various infections.

2. Changes in Urine and Stool Color

Jaundice also affects bodily waste. The NHS explains that liver dysfunction can cause urine to turn dark and stool to become unusually pale.

3. Persistent Itching

The Mayo Clinic lists liver disease as a possible cause of unexplained itching, alongside kidney failure, thyroid disorders, and certain cancers. Liver-related itching usually affects the entire body, even when the skin appears otherwise normal—except for areas that have been excessively scratched.

4. Easy Bruising and Bleeding

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, liver damage can impair the production of proteins essential for blood clotting. As a result, people with liver disease may bruise or bleed more easily. The liver produces several clotting factors, which gradually disappear as liver function declines.

5. Swelling in the Abdomen and Legs

When the liver struggles to perform its functions, the body may start retaining fluids, leading to noticeable swelling in the abdomen and legs. The Mayo Clinic highlights this as a common symptom of advanced liver disease.

When There Are No Symptoms

In some cases, liver disease remains silent. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics estimates that up to 50% of people with liver disease experience no symptoms. When mild symptoms do occur, they are often vague, including fatigue, lack of motivation, and occasional itching.

However, as liver damage progresses, symptoms worsen. The American Liver Foundation warns that complications may include internal bleeding from burst blood vessels, toxin buildup in the brain affecting cognitive function, nausea, and diarrhea.

In severe cases, liver failure can lead to confusion, disorientation, extreme fatigue, and even coma. At this stage, a liver transplant may be the only option—making early detection crucial for preventing irreversible damage.