3. Abdominal Pain: The Internal Struggle
Another symptom to be aware of is abdominal pain. This isn’t a fleeting discomfort. It’s a consistent, nagging pain, especially on the upper right side. This is where the liver sits. The pain can sometimes be sharp, other times dull, but it’s persistent.
When the liver is inflamed or enlarged due to ALD, it puts pressure on the surrounding organs. This causes the pain. The liver itself doesn’t have nerve endings, but its capsule does. As the liver swells, it stretches this capsule, leading to discomfort.
Coupled with this pain, some may experience nausea or a loss of appetite. It’s not uncommon to feel full quickly. There might also be a general sense of bloating. These signs all point to liver distress.
Abdominal pain, especially persistent, shouldn’t be ignored. It’s the body’s way of signaling something’s amiss. Understanding this can be a pivotal step in seeking early treatment for ALD. (3)
