The liver is an organ that has many different duties within the body. It aids in digestion and helps to remove toxins. It is also a component in the blood clotting process and is involved with helping the body fight off infections. A healthy liver helps the body stay regulated, as it is also associated with cholesterol levels and iron levels. Liver disease, such as cancer or cirrhosis, can decrease the effectiveness of the liver or completely shut it down.Liver Disease SymptomsEarly symptoms of liver disease often include abdominal pain and vomiting. This can also be accompanied by loss of appetite and decreased energy levels. One of the most common symptoms of liver disease is jaundice. Jaundice is a condition that causes the yellowing of the skin and eyes. This occurs when the bile that is normally filtered through the liver leaks into the bloodstream because the liver is unable to process it. It means that the liver is not functioning correctly. Other early symptoms can include abdominal pain and vomiting. Another symptom of liver disease is a condition called ascites. Ascites occurs when the abdomen fills with fluid, causing it to protrude. It can be very uncomfortable and often is associated with a high risk of infection.Testing for Liver DiseaseDoctors need to perform blood tests in order to find out the exact cause of liver disease and how to treat it. Those blood tests can tell how well the liver is functioning. Sometimes doctors will perform a liver biopsy. The patient is usually awake for the procedure and the tissue sample will be analyzed in a lab. A biopsy can offer more insight and help to create a better picture of liver function especially when done in conjunction with blood tests.It is important for patients to be aware of what a liver disease symptom looks like and to act accordingly in order to get the medical care that is needed. The liver is an integral part of the body and provides a number of different functions that help keep the body running smoothly.