The liver performs many health functions, and when it is not working properly, a range of symptoms typically appear. They may include fatigue, jaundice, or changes in appetite, and the specific signs often depend on the patient’s age. Recognizing these variations helps you understand the impact liver disease can have throughout different life stages. Here are some ways liver disease symptoms differ across age groups:
Infants and Children
In children, liver disease symptoms are often related to developmental and growth issues, and these may be missed during routine checkups. A common sign is jaundice, a yellowish tint to the skin and the whites of the eyes, which occurs when the liver does not process bilirubin effectively. Newborns with liver problems might also have pale-colored stools, dark urine, and poor feeding. These early signs often point to underlying issues with bile flow or congenital liver disorders.
Other indicators include a swollen abdomen from fluid buildup, which could suggest advanced liver dysfunction. Poor weight gain and a general failure to thrive become more noticeable if the child does not meet developmental milestones. Some infants experience persistent irritability or are unusually sleepy, while others vomit frequently.
Young Adults
For young adults, symptoms of liver disease often resemble those seen in other age groups, but lifestyle and environmental factors play a part in how symptoms develop. Fatigue is common and sometimes mistaken for stress or lack of sleep. Unexplained weight loss, frequent nausea, and decreased appetite often develop gradually, making them easy to overlook. Some young adults notice persistent discomfort or pain in the upper right side of their abdomen. Viral infections like hepatitis B or C, autoimmune conditions, or prolonged alcohol use may trigger liver disease in this group.
Middle-Aged Adults
During middle age, symptoms of liver disease are often linked to long-term conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, or chronic hepatitis. These adults might not notice changes at first, since symptoms can develop gradually over months or years. Persistent fatigue is a frequent complaint. Individuals might describe feeling unwell or lacking energy, which often affects their work performance or daily routines. Physical signs become more obvious as the disease progresses, and they can include:
- Jaundice
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and abdomen
- Unexplained weight gain
- Abdominal bloating or fullness
- Persistent itchiness
- Frequent or unexplained bruising
Older Adults
In older adults, diagnosing liver disease can present unique challenges since symptoms are easy to mistake for other common age-related conditions. Fluid retention, seen as abdominal swelling or swelling in the legs and feet, often becomes more noticeable as liver function declines. Appetite loss is common and may lead to unintended weight loss or visible muscle wasting, reducing strength and mobility over time.
Older adults are often managing several health challenges at once, such as diabetes or heart disease. For this reason, symptoms of liver dysfunction may be mistaken for complications from other illnesses or blend into their overall sense of declining health. This overlap sometimes leads to delayed recognition of liver disease, which can affect how quickly support is offered.
Treat Liver Disease Symptoms
Managing liver disease involves addressing the underlying cause to slow its progression and reduce symptoms. Treatment plans are personalized and may include changes to diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding alcohol or certain medications. Medications help manage symptoms like itching or swelling, but medical procedures might be needed to improve liver function. Ongoing monitoring, including regular blood tests or imaging studies, helps track disease progression. Schedule an appointment with a liver specialist today.
