Important Signs Of Liver Damage

Pale Stool

Having pale or chalk colored stool is a common symptom of liver disease. This symptom occurs when there is damage done to the biliary system. Bile salts are responsible for giving stool its brown color. When it is not properly excreted, the color of the stool may change. Blood in the stool is a sign of end-stage cirrhosis that causes permanent scarring of the liver. Black stool may occur when blood does not properly flow through the liver and causes hypertension in the veins of the liver.

Swollen Legs

Swollen legs and ankles also referred to as edema, is a common symptom of liver disease. It occurs when the veins in the liver develop hypertension, causing fluid to collect in the ankles and legs. Fluid may also accumulate in the abdomen, causing it to become enlarged during a process known as ascites. Recurrent episodes of swollen ankles, legs or abdomen should be treated by a doctor as this may be a sign of liver disease.