When a person feels pain in the upper abdomen under the rib cage, they may have liver pain. Unfortunately, this pain cannot be cured at home. The individual will need to see a doctor.
However, there are steps a person can take to ease the pain until their appointment. When it comes to relieving liver pain fast, one of the easiest ways is to drink more water. Eating a healthy diet will also help to minimize this pain.
The Liver’s Function
The liver is the largest solid organ in the human body. It is responsible for breaking down substances, such as fat, and creating energy from food. The liver also removes toxins and other substances from the blood. Most people don’t feel their liver until a problem arises.
What Causes Liver Pain?
Overconsumption of alcohol is a leading cause of liver pain. The same holds for a person who consumes other substances. However, the most common cause of liver pain is an underlying medical condition. What does the liver do, why does it hurt at times, and what treatments might a doctor recommend to relieve the pain and treat the underlying condition?
Autoimmune hepatitis can lead to liver pain, as can biliary atresia. Individuals with hemochromatosis or cirrhosis often experience liver pain, and pain is a common symptom associated with hepatitis. Some individuals experience pain because they have nonalcoholic fatty liver syndrome.
Other conditions that might bring about liver pain include liver cancer, Wilson’s disease, and portal vein hypertension. Pain is frequently seen with Reye’s syndrome, but also with Budd-Chiari syndrome and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. An individual who is experiencing a traumatic injury to the liver will likely experience pain in this area of the abdomen. However, liver pain may also be the result of toxin ingestion or excessive alcohol consumption.
Symptoms That Often Accompany Liver Pain
A person might have symptoms other than liver pain. Jaundice is commonly seen when the liver is not functioning properly, and the person may experience itching. Their urine may be darker than normal, and they may be overly fatigued. Poor appetite is also a sign that the liver is not functioning properly, and the individual should see their doctor.
Relieving Liver Pain
Individuals often want to know how long they can expect the liver pain to last. The duration and severity of the pain depend on many factors. Individuals who over-consume alcohol or ingest toxins might find the pain only lasts for a short period, such as days or weeks. It will depend on how much they consume, how often they consume alcohol or other substances, and their water consumption. However, most people never experience liver pain until the liver has already sustained significant damage from alcohol consumption.
Other liver conditions also present with pain. Over 80% of individuals with cirrhosis have chronic liver pain, and this pain is often challenging to manage. Referred pain is another problem seen with these medical conditions, and this pain often travels to the shoulder when the person has liver disease. Individuals should speak with their doctors to minimize pain.
Treating Liver Pain
Doctors must determine the underlying cause of the pain before treating it. Furthermore, pain relief is not seen overnight. It often takes time to improve one’s health and decrease the pain. Unfortunately, doctors have yet to find a cure for most liver diseases, so the focus turns to slowing the disease’s progression and ensuring the liver does not sustain further damage.
Weight management is important in treating liver disease, and the individual must achieve and maintain a healthy blood pressure. Excess fluid must be removed from the body along with any toxins that have built up. The doctor will also offer treatments to relieve any symptoms the person is experiencing, such as itching.
Liver dialysis might be an option for patients with severe medical conditions. This dialysis is similar to that provided to patients with kidney disease, but liver dialysis filters particles that are found in this organ as a result of the disorder. Some individuals find their only hope is to obtain a liver transplant.
A person can take steps to manage their liver pain at home. These steps are used in conjunction with any treatment plan developed by their physician. Eating a healthy, balanced diet may reduce this pain, and remaining hydrated is essential. Individuals with liver disease should avoid consuming alcohol and ensure their blood pressure is controlled. The overuse of medications can lead to liver disease or cause existing liver pain to worsen, so individuals should only take necessary medications.
Should a Person with Liver Pain Be Concerned?
Liver pain is always concerning. If an individual knowingly ingests toxins, alcohol, or medication to access, this pain may not be an emergency. However, it depends on the quantity ingested and the substance. A physician should always investigate any shoulder and liver pain to determine the underlying cause. Individuals who know that they have fluid building up in their abdomen and those with symptoms of jaundice need to seek medical attention to learn the underlying cause and find a treatment plan.
Individuals who have already been diagnosed with liver disease must follow the treatment plan prescribed by their physician. This plan may include medications and other treatment options, but it will also likely involve lifestyle changes.
Liver cancer is a concern for anyone who has an existing liver disease. The individual may notice that the upper right abdomen is painful and may feel a hard lump in this area. Their abdomen may be swollen or bloated, and they may struggle with vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite. Many people with liver disease lose weight unintentionally.
Jaundice can be a sign of liver cancer, as can easy bruising and bleeding. Individuals with liver cancer typically need radiation and or chemotherapy to treat the underlying disorder and help relieve the pain. Their physician may be able to provide pain medication to help ease their discomfort while the cancer is being treated.
Liver pain is often difficult to treat. Individuals must know what is causing the pain so the right treatment can be selected. Often, this involves lifestyle changes in addition to medical treatments, and a person should follow the treatment plan exactly for the best outcomes.