Your liver, the largest internal organ in your body, plays a vital role in various bodily functions. It not only aids in regulating blood clotting and detoxifying substances like alcohol from your bloodstream, but it also contributes to bile production and numerous other important processes.

However, liver health can deteriorate due to certain medical conditions or lifestyle choices. In fact, liver disease is quite prevalent, impacting approximately 4.5 million adults in the United States.

Liver disease is a broad term that includes a range of conditions that hinder normal liver function. According to Dr. Douglas Weine, a gastroenterologist at Hackensack Meridian Health Center, these conditions may range from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis to liver cancer.

Symptoms of liver issues may not always be immediate. “In most cases, signs and symptoms of liver disease appear only after there is considerable damage to the liver,” explains Dr. Bubu Banini, a hepatologist and assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine.

So, how can you identify potential liver problems? What steps can you take for early detection? We consulted hepatologists to highlight the five most common warning signs of liver disease and guidance on what to do if you notice these symptoms:

1. Jaundice: Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes