Liver Function Test: Why Your Doctor May Recommend It
Introduction
A Blood Test for liver function is the best way to see how your liver is doing. We see that most liver related issues present very subtly which is why many ignore early signs until the issue becomes more apparent. Factors like a fatty diet, alcohol use, long term meds and stress play a role in wearing out the liver over time. Also, because it is so common for symptoms to go unnoticed, we at which point do a Liver Test when certain issues come up or during routine health checks.
You can find in depth liver research at the Indian Council of Medical Research website:.
https: Http:/www.icmr.gov.in/.
Why do we do the Liver Function Test?
Your liver performs vital body functions like detoxification, digestion support, metabolism and nutrient absorption. When these functions are affected by something, your body begins to show early signs. A timely Liver Function Test will find out issues like inflammation, fatty liver, enzyme imbalance and early infections. With clean test results, doctors are able to recommend appropriate lifestyle changes or treatment which helps to avoid the condition from becoming serious.
Persistent Fatigue
Continuous fatigue is a symptom which may present when the liver has trouble with nutrient absorption or toxic material removal. Also this is a hard one to notice as it which is very similar to ordinary tiredness.
Yellow Skin or Eyes
Jaundice is a result of increased bilirubin levels. This is a sign of liver stress which must be confirmed with a Liver Function Test.
Abdominal Discomfort
Upper abdominal pain, distention and heaviness after meals is a sign of liver irritation or inflamation. In fatty liver we see this very often.
Sudden Appetite Loss
When liver cells are inflamed digestion slows which in turn causes reduced appetite and unexpected weight change.
Changes in Urine or Stool
Dark colored and frothy urine or pale stool may present with enzyme imbalance. A Liver Function Test quickly will reveal the exact cause.
Itchy Skin
High levels of bile in the blood cause skin irritation, dryness and itchiness which is a sign of liver stress.
Which of these should get a liver test regularly.
Individuals with diabetes
People with fatty liver
Adults who consume alcohol frequently
People who have a family history of liver disease.
Individuals with high cholesterol
People taking long-term medication
Anyone recovering from hepatitis infections1
What the Liver Test Measures
A Blood test for the liver usually includes ALT, AST, Alkaline Phosphatase, Bilirubin, GGT, Total Protein and Albumin. These are the markers which doctors use to determine liver inflammation, enzyme action and overall function. Getting tested regularly helps you see improvements if you are in a health improvement plan or on a medical treatment.
Why delay a liver test?
Liver disease often develops gradually with symptoms presenting at later stages of the illness. With early detection we see reduced risk of developing issues like fibrosis, fatty liver, or cirrhosis. Also that it is a quick, easy and cheap procedure what doctors put forth which is to include it in routine health check ups also when symptoms present themselves at any time.
Conclusion
Taking care of your liver is very important for long term health. Signs like fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, itching or abdominal pain should not be dismissed. We get the Liver Function Tests done which help in at an early stage in identifying problems that will in turn bring about faster treatment and better recovery.
Book in for your test at Sanar Care Diagnostic Centre: www.sanarcarediagnosticcentre.com