The liver is an organ about the size of a football. It sits just under your rib cage on the right side of your abdomen. The liver is essential for digesting food and ridding your body of toxic substances.<br />Liver disease can be inherited (genetic). Liver problems can also be caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses, alcohol use and obesity.<br />Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring (cirrhosis), which can lead to liver failure, a life-threatening condition. But early treatment may give the liver time to heal figure 1.<br />Symptoms<br />Liver disease doesn't always cause noticeable signs and symptoms. If signs and symptoms of liver disease do occur, they may include:<br />• Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)<br />• Abdominal pain and swelling<br />• Swelling in the legs and ankles<br />• Itchy skin<br />• Dark urine color<br />• Pale stool color<br />• Chronic fatigue<br />• Nausea or vomiting<br />• Loss of appetite<br />• Tendency to bruise easily<br /><br />