Gastroenterologist Dr Anurag Shetty shares early and advanced symptoms of liver diseases that should not be ignored

Dr Anurag Shetty, a gastroenterologist, shared early signs of liver disease: persistent fatigue, nausea, reduced appetite, right-side abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, muscle loss, and itching.

Early symptoms are often generic and ignored; together they warrant attention if they persist for weeks, according to Dr Shetty.

As liver function declines, patients may develop temporary foot swelling, yellow or pale stools, and easier bruising.

Advanced liver disease symptoms include persistent leg swelling, fluid accumulation in the abdomen (distension), jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin), vomiting blood, and black stools.

Dr Shetty emphasized that the liver performs vital functions like digestion, vitamin storage, protein production for clotting, toxin clearance, and immune support.