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Customer question:

Why does my liver hurt? Is this a cause for concern? Anonymous customer's question

Pharmacist's answer:

Pain in the liver can have various causes, and the severity and consequences can vary depending on the actual cause. It is essential to know that the liver does not have pain receptors, so pain in the upper right part of the abdomen can result from problems with the liver or other nearby organs.

Here are some possible causes of liver pain and whether they might be cause for concern:

• Fatty Liver Disease: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease in which fat builds up in the liver. In the early stages, it may not cause symptoms, but you may feel discomfort as it progresses. It can be worrisome if it progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is a more severe form of NAFLD.

• Hepatitis: inflammation of the liver, such as hepatitis (viral or otherwise), can cause pain in the liver area. Examples are viral hepatitis (hepatitis B, C, etc.) and autoimmune hepatitis.

• Alcoholic liver disease: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause alcoholic liver disease, including alcoholic hepatitis. This condition can cause pain in the liver and cause concern if not treated.

• Cirrhosis of the liver: Cirrhosis, whether due to alcohol, viral hepatitis, or other causes, can cause pain in the liver area. Advanced cirrhosis can, therefore, be a serious concern.

• Gallbladder problems: The gallbladder is located near the liver, and problems with it, such as gallstones or inflammation (cholecystitis), can cause pain in the liver area.

• Other Abdominal Diseases: Diseases related to the intestines, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can sometimes cause discomfort in the upper right of the abdomen.

• Musculoskeletal Pain: Sometimes, pain in the liver area may not be related to the liver or other organs but may originate from muscle or rib problems.

• Infection or inflammation: Infections and inflammation of nearby structures can also cause discomfort in the liver area.

Whether or not liver pain is cause for concern depends on its duration, severity, and associated symptoms. Suppose you experience persistent or severe liver pain, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements. In that case, you must seek medical attention.

A doctor may perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam, blood tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment. Self-diagnosis or ignoring such pain can be risky, so it is always best to consult a doctor.

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