liver overview for patients
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
The liver is a large organ in the upper right side of your belly. It does hundreds of jobs, including cleaning your blood, making bile to help digest food, storing energy, and helping fight infections. Taking good care of your liver is important for your overall health.
Key facts
- Your liver is the largest internal organ in your body.
- It can often repair itself if damage is caught early.
- Liver problems may cause no symptoms at first, so check-ups matter.
- A healthy liver helps you digest food, store energy, and remove toxins.
Liver problems are common around the world. Many people have risk factors such as heavy alcohol use, obesity, or viral infections, but not everyone develops serious liver disease.
Anyone can have liver issues, but you are more likely to have them if you drink a lot of alcohol, have diabetes or obesity, have had certain infections, or have a family history of liver disease.
Symptoms
- Vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds
- Black or tarry stools
- Severe belly pain that does not go away
- Sudden confusion or extreme drowsiness
- ⚠Yellow skin or eyes
- ⚠Swelling of the belly or legs that is new or getting worse
- ⚠High fever with belly pain
- ⚠Ongoing vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Common symptoms
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Nausea or poor appetite
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Pain or swelling in the belly
- Itchy skin
Symptoms in children
- Poor weight gain or slow growth
- Being unusually fussy or sleepy
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Pale or clay-colored stools
Symptoms in older adults
- Confusion or memory changes
- Falls or unsteadiness
- Loss of energy or appetite
- Swelling in the legs or belly
Causes
Main causes
- Viral infections, such as hepatitis A, B, or C
- Heavy alcohol use over time
- Fatty buildup in the liver, often linked to obesity or diabetes
- Autoimmune conditions, where the body's immune system attacks the liver
- Certain medicines, herbs, or toxins
- Genetic (inherited) liver conditions
Risk factors
- Drinking large amounts of alcohol
- Carrying excess weight, especially around the belly
- Having type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol
- Sharing needles or having unprotected sex with someone who has hepatitis
- Working with or being exposed to certain chemicals
- Having a family history of liver disease
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes
- Severe pain in your belly
- Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools
- Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty waking
Book a routine appointment if:
- Unexplained tiredness, nausea, or loss of appetite
- Dark urine or very light stools
- Swelling in your legs or belly
- Itchy skin that does not go away
Diagnosis
Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. They may feel your belly, check your skin and eyes, and order blood tests to see how well your liver is working.
Tests that may be done
- Liver function blood tests (these check liver enzymes and proteins)
- Ultrasound or other imaging scans (such as CT or MRI)
- FibroScan, a special kind of ultrasound that measures scarring in the liver
- Liver biopsy, where a small sample of liver tissue is removed for testing
What to expect at your appointment
Most liver tests are simple. Blood tests take a few minutes, and imaging scans are painless. You may need to fast for a few hours before some tests. Results can take a few days. If something looks abnormal, your doctor may refer you to a liver specialist.
Treatment
Treatment for liver problems depends on the cause. The main goal is to stop more damage and help your liver heal. In many cases, lifestyle changes are a key part of treatment.
Self-care at home
- Avoid alcohol completely
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Keep a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly, even with short walks
- Take all medicines as directed and avoid extra painkillers unless your doctor agrees
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B if your doctor recommends it
Medical treatments
Doctors may use antiviral or anti-inflammatory medicines to treat the underlying liver condition. They may also prescribe treatments to manage complications such as fluid buildup, itching, or tiredness. Always discuss any medicine you are taking or considering with your doctor, because the liver can be sensitive to certain drugs.
When is surgery considered?
In some cases, surgery may be needed. For example, a damaged part of the liver might be removed, or if the liver fails completely, a liver transplant could be considered. Your doctor will explain what is right for you.
Living with this condition
Living with a liver condition means paying attention to how you feel and following your care plan. Rest when you need to, keep your appointments, and take all medicines exactly as told. It helps to write down any new symptoms and share them with your doctor.
Lifestyle tips
- Do not drink alcohol at all
- If you smoke, try to quit
- Get enough sleep and manage stress
- Stay active safely — ask your doctor which activities are okay
- Wash your hands often to avoid infections
Diet and exercise
Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit salt, sugar, and fried or fatty foods. Try gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga, but check with your doctor before starting something new. Drink plenty of water unless your doctor says to limit fluids.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Living with a liver problem can feel overwhelming and may cause anxiety, sadness, or stress. These feelings are normal. Talk to your care team about how you are feeling — they can recommend counseling, support groups, or other resources.
Prevention
Many liver problems can be prevented or slowed down by eating well, staying active, avoiding heavy alcohol use, and protecting yourself from hepatitis infections. If you already have liver damage, these steps can still help your liver.
Vaccines
There are vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Ask your doctor whether you need these vaccines based on your risk.
Screening programmes
If you have risk factors like diabetes, obesity, or a family history of liver disease, your doctor may suggest regular blood tests or ultrasound scans to check your liver health.
Complications
If left untreated
- Cirrhosis — severe scarring of the liver
- Liver failure — when the liver stops working properly
- Fluid buildup in the belly or legs
- Bleeding in the stomach or intestines
- An increased risk of liver cancer
Long-term outlook
There is a lot of hope. Many liver conditions can be managed, especially when found early. Even if the liver has some damage, treatment and lifestyle changes can help you feel better, slow further damage, and allow you to live a full life. Work closely with your doctor to make a plan that works for you.
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
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Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.