[49F] Experiencing abdominal discomfort, leg swelling, and elevated liver enzymes

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, the following conditions may be possible:

• Liver Disease: The combination of elevated liver enzymes, abdominal discomfort, leg swelling, and itchy skin suggest a liver condition. This could be due to many causes such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Liver disease can lead to cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver tissue and can cause symptoms such as spider angiomas.

  • Liver function tests, imaging studies, and possibly a liver biopsy may be needed for diagnosis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or in severe cases, liver transplantation.

• Malabsorption Syndromes: Conditions like celiac disease or pancreatic insufficiency can cause light-colored, fatty stools and abdominal discomfort. However, these conditions usually also cause weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.

  • Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, stool tests, and possibly endoscopy. Treatment involves managing the underlying condition and supplementing any nutritional deficiencies.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can order the necessary tests and refer you to a specialist if needed.
2. Keep a symptom diary. Note what you eat, when you experience abdominal discomfort, and any other symptoms. This can help identify patterns and potential triggers.
3. Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise routine. This can help manage your symptoms and improve your overall health.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Bloody or black stools
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Sudden mental confusion

Please remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care.