Contact a healthcare provider and request liver testing — as soon as possible. Why this step matters: Liver disease is often reversible or manageable when caught early. Symptoms are the body’s warning sign — testing confirms what’s happening and opens the door to treatment, lifestyle changes, and support before permanent damage occurs. What to do right now: If someone recognizes these symptoms, encourage them to: Call their primary care provider or clinic. Ask specifically for liver evaluation or liver blood tests. Mention symptoms clearly (fatigue, jaundice, swelling, pain, etc.). Request basic liver testing: Liver function blood tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, ALP). Imaging if recommended (ultrasound or FibroScan). Do not ignore or “wait it out” – liver symptoms rarely improve on their own without action, and waiting can allow silent progression to fibrosis or cirrhosis. If they don’t have a doctor or insurance: A helpful alternative step is to visit an urgent care clinic, community health clinic, or hospital outpatient clinic. Ask about low-cost labs or sliding-scale services. Many areas offer free or reduced-cost liver screening. When to seek emergency care immediately: Go to the ER now if there is: Sudden confusion or personality changes, vomiting blood or black stools, severe abdominal swelling or pain, rapid yellowing of eyes or skin. The message people need to hear: 'Noticing symptoms is not something to be afraid of — it’s an opportunity to protect your liver and your life.' Early action can mean: Reversal of fatty liver disease, slowing or stopping fibrosis, avoiding cirrhosis or transplant, peace of mind through clear answers.

If someone recognizes these symptoms, what's the very next helpful step you want them to take?

The very next helpful step: Schedule a medical appointment and ask specifically for liver testing — this week, not “someday.” Why this matters: Recognizing symptoms is your window of opportunity. Many liver conditions are treatable or reversible when caught early, but waiting allows silent damage to continue. What to do immediately: Take one clear action: Call your primary care provider, clinic, or urgent care. Say: 'I’m having symptoms that may be related to my liver and I’d like liver testing.' That simple sentence opens the door to: Blood tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, ALP), Imaging if needed (ultrasound or FibroScan), A clear plan instead of uncertainty. If you don’t have a doctor or insurance: Go to a community health clinic or urgent care. Ask about low-cost or sliding-scale liver tests. Many people start care this way — and it’s enough to get answers. When to seek emergency care instead: Go immediately if there is: Confusion or mental changes, vomiting blood or black stools, severe abdominal swelling or pain, rapid yellowing of eyes or skin. The message we want people to hear: Noticing symptoms isn’t a reason to panic — it’s a reason to act. One appointment can change the course of liver disease.