Why Does My Liver Hurt?

Liver pain is commonly felt in the upper right abdomen and may be caused by:

• Hepatitis (viral or alcohol-related)
• Cirrhosis
• Fatty liver disease
• Liver cancer
• Bile duct obstruction
• Liver abscesses or cysts

Other causes include gallbladder pain, infections, or even muscle strain, and should be evaluated by a doctor to identify the underlying liver disease.

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📍 Where Do You Feel Liver Pain?

The liver sits just under the rib cage on the right side of your upper abdomen. Liver pain is usually described as:

• A dull ache
• A throbbing sensation
• A sharp or severe pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen
• Referred pain to the right shoulder, back, or even the neck

The liver itself lacks pain receptors, so pain usually comes from liver inflammation, swelling, or pressure on surrounding tissues like Glisson’s capsule.

⚠️ Common Causes of Liver Pain

Here are the most common causes of liver pain that we evaluate at Manhattan Medical Arts:

🦠 1. Viral Hepatitis

Hepatitis A, B, and C are common in the U.S., caused by hepatitis viruses that inflame the liver.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
• Fatigue and nausea

Chronic hepatitis (especially Hepatitis B and C) can progress to chronic liver disease and even liver cancer.

📌 Stat: According to the CDC, nearly 2.4 million people in the U.S. are living with chronic hepatitis C.
[Source: CDC Hepatitis Surveillance Report, 2023]

🍺 2. Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

Long-term alcohol use can lead to:

• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Fatty liver
• Cirrhosis

Symptoms include:

• Dull ache in the upper right abdomen
• Swelling
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain

Cutting alcohol can slow or reverse early-stage damage.

🧬 3. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD / MASLD)

This affects people who drink little or no alcohol. It’s often linked to:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood sugar

Up to 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. may have fatty liver.
[Source: NIH – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases]

Symptoms:

• Feeling of fullness or pressure in the upper right abdomen
• Fatigue
• Discomfort after eating

💔 4. Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is irreversible liver scarring. It’s often a result of long-term liver damage from:

• Alcohol
• Hepatitis
• Fat buildup

Signs include:

• Abdominal swelling
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Jaundice
• Muscle wasting

Chronic liver failure may follow if untreated.

🪠 5. Liver Abscess

A liver abscess is a bacterial or parasitic infection forming a pus-filled pocket in the liver.

Symptoms:

• Sharp pain in the upper right
• Fever, chills
• Shoulder pain
• Abdominal tenderness

Prompt medical treatment is essential to prevent complications.

🦠 6. Bile Duct Obstruction

The bile duct carries bile from the liver to the small intestine. If blocked by:

• Gallstones
• Cancer
• Infections

You may feel:

• Severe pain
• Yellowing of skin
• Dark urine
• Itchy skin

🧬 7. Genetic Liver Diseases

Inherited conditions like:

• Wilson’s disease
• Hemochromatosis
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

These genetic liver diseases can silently cause underlying liver disease over time, often without symptoms until complications develop.

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❓ Why Does My Liver Hurt Again After Eating?

If you’re wondering “why does my liver hurt” especially after eating, it could be due to fatty liver disease, gallbladder issues, or bile duct blockage. Fatty or heavy meals can cause discomfort in people with underlying liver disease, especially when the liver is inflamed or enlarged.

⛔ When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek help if you experience:

• Persistent pain in the upper right abdomen
• Dark urine or pale stool
• Fatigue or nausea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Jaundice
• Abdominal swelling
• Tenderness or severe pain

If you suspect acute liver failure or chronic liver failure, it’s a medical emergency.

⚠️ Emergency Red Flags:

• Vomiting blood or passing tarry stools
• Severe pain radiating to your back or shoulder
• Confusion or disorientation
• Swollen legs or belly
• Breathing difficulty

🧪 How Is Liver Pain Diagnosed?

At Manhattan Medical Arts, your evaluation may include:

• Blood tests to assess liver function, enzymes, and check for hepatitis virus
• Imaging: Ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to evaluate liver damage
• Liver biopsy: If needed, to confirm underlying liver issue
• Review of medications, alcohol use, and exposure to toxins or body fluids

💊 Liver Pain Treatment Options

Depends on the underlying cause:

• Antiviral medications (for hepatitis)
• Antibiotics or drainage (for liver abscess)
• Dietary changes and exercise (for fatty liver disease)
• Stopping alcohol (for alcoholic liver disease)
• Liver transplant (in cases of advanced failure)
• Liver dialysis (rare but may be used short-term in severe cases)

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🍽️ Lifestyle Tips to Support Liver Health

To manage or prevent liver pain:

• Follow a balanced diet (low in sugar, salt, and fatty foods)
• Avoid alcohol
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
• Don’t share needles or razors
• Be cautious with herbal supplements
• Use medications only as directed

🧠 FAQs About Liver Pain

✅ Book an Appointment Now:

You’re now equipped to make informed decisions about your liver health.

If you’re experiencing pain or symptoms, don’t wait — reach out to our team at Manhattan Medical Arts today.

– Disclaimer –

This blog is for informational & educational purposes only and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health-related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.