Another problem can arise when new blood vessels are formed to bypass the damaged liver, due to portal hypertension. These vessels, often created in the esophagus and stomach, can swell and cause severe bleeding, especially if blood clotting is not functioning well. If you experience symptoms such as vomiting blood or black stool, it could be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, and you should seek immediate medical attention.
Next, at Number 4, is “Swelling in Legs or Ankles”.
Liver damage can lead to fluid buildup in your ankles and legs. This happens because the loss of blood protein allows fluid to leak into the tissues. Due to gravity, the legs and ankles are often affected as fluid is pulled down towards the feet. In the late stages of liver damage, noticeable puffiness is commonly seen around the lower limbs.
Coming into Number 3, we have “Nail Changes”.
Various types of liver disease can have noticeable effects on the nails. For instance, Terry’s nails, which are mostly white with a thin, reddish-brown strip near the tip, are often linked to liver failure or cirrhosis.
In a study, 68 percent of liver disease patients (with cirrhosis, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B) had nail changes, while only 35 percent of the control group did. The most frequent change was a fungal nail infection called onychomycosis.