Spot the first hints of liver damage and act before it's too late. Catching these symptoms early could mean simpler treatments and a healthier recovery.

Your liver is quietly doing what it does best throughout the day, filtering out toxins, aiding in digestion, and completing many other vital tasks. However, when suffering is taking place, it is not always obvious. Sometimes the liver sends out signals that are so small that we don't notice them. Here are five very early signs of liver damage that could indicate more serious illness.

What is liver damage like in its initial stages?

Liver issues often start small. The symptoms or signs can be missed because they are often very similar to tiredness or digestive symptoms. So it is possible to ignore them. If we are able to identify the signals early, it could make a big difference.

Chronic tiredness can be one of the first warning signs.

Yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice) is another classic early warning sign.

Unexplained itching can also be a signal that something isn't right.

A loss of appetite and unexpected weight changes can also be early signs of liver damage.

What should I do if I notice these signs?

Don't panic, but don't ignore it either and book a doctor's appointment. Simple blood tests (such as liver dysfunction tests) can identify an issue early. The sooner you find out, the better your chances of treatment.