What do you know about the liver? You all must have studied about it in your science lectures. But do you know its purpose, functions, problems, and the importance of this organ?
The liver is a meaty organ located on the right side of the stomach. It gets protected by the rib cages, and therefore, you cannot feel it by touching it. Further, you should know that it has two sections called the right and left lobes.
The liver functions with other organs, including the gallbladder, intestines, pancreas, and digestive system. Its role is to process food and flush waste out of your body.
When the liver fails to perform its functions, one has to undergo an LFT test or better known as the liver function test. If the liver is dysfunctional, the overall operations of your body will get affected.
If you’ve been wondering whether you require a liver function test, then this post will give you insight into the facts and details related to the test.
What is a liver function test?
When you experience certain discomforts and find difficulty digesting food or experience pain in the right side of your belly, a medical professional would suggest you undergo a liver function test.
As mentioned before, the liver function test is required to check whether your liver is performing its functions correctly or not.
The test will analyze and measure liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin levels in your blood and suggest further treatment to restore these at their required levels. The imbalance of protein and enzymes indicate that your liver is malfunctioning.
It can further develop into a disease, and therefore, it is necessary to find the cause and prepare a treatment plan accordingly.
Who should get a liver function test?
Not everyone needs to get a liver function test. The test is recommended in the following conditions.
- Suppose you have been exposed to hepatitis, there are high chances of infection developing in the liver.
- Excessive production of enzymes due to medical drug side effects. Antibiotics, statins, tuberculosis drugs, and NSAIDs can have side effects on the liver.
- If you have a family history of liver diseases such as fatty liver disease, you’ll be suggested to take the test.
- If you are suffering from any gallbladder disease.
- If you have been overdosing on alcohol.
- Or if you have other medical conditions such as diabetes, anemia, and high blood pressure.
What are the symptoms of a poor liver?
When a person has a liver condition, you will see them growing weaker every day. If the health condition is not diagnosed and treated timely, it can be life-threatening. The following symptoms will reflect if a person is suffering from liver conditions.
- Loss of energy
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Discolored bodily discharge
- Abdominal pain
- Poor digestion
- Bleeding and bruising
What is the LFT test price?
Most people get scared of the price when they go for a medical checkup. But you don’t have to worry, as the LFT test cost is a bare minimum. The test cost might vary from 200 rupees to 350 rupees depending on which city and hospital you choose.
You can quickly get a liver function test in your nearby hospitals. Before you trust any medical clinic or center to get a liver function test, ensure that the particular facility has excellent reviews and ratings.
So, if you or your loved ones are experiencing symptoms of any liver pain or discomfort, do not overlook the condition and get a test immediately.