The liver is an important organ in the human body. It sits on the right side of the abdomen, underneath the rib cage. This larger organ helps with digestion, eliminates waste from the body, and produces clotting factors that help blood flow well throughout the body. When the liver becomes ill, it can have a deadly effect on a person if it is not treated immediately. The liver can become damaged over time, especially if it is continually exposed to chemicals or other elements that may scar it and lead to cirrhosis. Catching liver damage early is the key to making sure your loved one doesn’t become incapacitated by liver disease. With the help of senior home care providers, your loved one can make lifestyle changes to improve their health.

Liver Disease Symptoms

Senior Home Care Merced, CA – Symptoms of Liver Disease

While the liver can be damaged without presenting any symptoms, common liver disease symptoms include:

• Pain in the belly area, as well as swelling in that area that is uncomfortable and tender.
• Jaundice in the skin and whites of the eyes. Jaundice occurs when these areas begin to look yellow due to the buildup of bilirubin, which is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells.
• Skin that feels itchy all the time.
• Swelling in the legs and feet.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of Appetite.
• Dark urine and pale stools.
• Bruises that seem to appear out of nowhere.

Liver Disease Risk Factors

Some people have a higher risk of developing liver disease than others. When liver disease is hereditary, there isn’t anything your loved one can do to reduce that risk factor. What he can do is make sure he’s not increasing his risk factors by engaging in other lifestyle choices that can compound his likelihood of developing liver cancer.

Some common causes of liver cancer include:

• Infection caused by parasites and viruses. Common infections that damage the liver are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. All of these infections have vaccines to reduce the risk of catching them, so talk to your loved one’s doctor about whether or not they should consider vaccination. Certain behaviors increase your loved one’s risk of developing Hepatitis, such as sharing needles to inject drugs. Even if your loved one has not engaged in this behavior in decades, he still might be at a higher risk for developing liver disease.
• Being overweight can put additional strain on the liver and increase the risk of liver disease.
• Drinking too much and/or being an alcoholic can also cause extreme damage to the liver and increase the risk of liver disease.
• Some prescriptions and herbal mixes might increase the risk, so make sure you and your loved one understand the possible side effects of anything he takes, especially if he’s already at risk for liver disease.

Getting Help When Your Loved One Has Liver Disease

Luckily, it was caught early; lifestyle changes can help your loved one restore his liver’s health. Some lifestyle changes may be easier to make than others, so seeking professional help with major changes, such as drug use or alcoholism, is important. For other changes at home, a senior home provider can help your loved one make healthier choices daily. With senior home care assistance, a provider can help your loved one eat more nutritious foods and avoid foods that damage the liver. The senior home care support can also help him stay on track with the doctor’s recommendations for exercise and losing weight if necessary.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Senior Home Care Services in Merced, CA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Everlight Home Care today. Call us at 559-353-2847.

Private Duty Home Care in Fresno, Madera, Kern Counties, and surrounding communities. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Gina Kendall

Gina Kendall has over 25 years of work experience serving the aging and the disabled. Her extensive experience in care and management began as a Social Services Coordinator in skilled nursing facilities. While working in this capacity, she became aware of the need for, and the importance of, good, quality, home care. Gina worked with families to keep their loved ones home and avoid a return visit to the hospital. As she continued her career of service, she began working with the disabled population helping to expand and improve their independence throughout all aspects of life.

This combination of experiences has afforded Gina a unique view of the needs of the aging and the disabled and how to best serve those needs in a home setting.

Gina’s Central Valley roots run deep. She earned her BA degree from Fresno State in 1993 and has lived and worked in Fresno for the past 20 years. In addition to raising her family in Fresno, she is actively involved in her local church and is a volunteer for various local community organizations.

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