- What are the signs and symptoms
- Possible causes
- Types of liver failure
- 1. Acute liver failure
- 2. Chronic liver failure
- What is the diagnosis
- How the treatment is done
Liver failure occurs when the liver is unable to effectively participate in the body's detoxification process and all other metabolism functions, which can cause signs and symptoms such as jaundice, swelling or even brain damage.
Liver failure is the most serious consequence of chronic liver disease and can lead to death if a transplant is not performed.
What are the signs and symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of liver failure are:
- Jaundice, in which the skin and mucous membranes are yellowed by the accumulation of bilirubin in the body; Low concentration of albumin in the body, causing swelling; Excessive ammonia in the body, which can cause brain damage; Body odor described as "moldy" or "bittersweet"; Tendency to bleeding from the stomach and intestines; Ascites, which consists of the accumulation of fluids in the abdominal region.
In addition, other symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, feeling sick and poor appetite may also appear.
Possible causes
Generally, liver failure can occur due to hepatitis caused by viruses, liver cirrhosis due to, for example, excessive alcohol consumption, intoxication by drugs or supplements, autoimmune diseases or unknown causes.
See the diet you should follow in case of liver cirrhosis.
Types of liver failure
Liver failure can be acute or chronic:
1. Acute liver failure
Acute liver failure is defined as a serious liver disease, which occurs very quickly, due to brain damage in just six months after the initial diagnosis. Liver destruction is usually caused by ingestion of drugs, toxins, exposure to chemical agents, certain medications, mushroom poisoning and infection by the hepatitis virus. See more about acute liver failure.
2. Chronic liver failure
Chronic liver failure develops more slowly than acute failure, and may take months or even years to manifest symptoms and usually results from cirrhosis due to alcohol abuse.
What is the diagnosis
The diagnosis of liver failure can be made by analyzing the patient's clinical condition and confirmed by blood test. In addition, a biopsy can also be performed, in which a liver sample is taken and then analyzed in the laboratory.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for liver failure will depend on the causes and symptoms. Generally, the doctor prescribes medications and may recommend surgery to remove the damaged liver. In very severe cases, where the liver damage is very severe, it may be necessary to have a liver transplant.
Getting a compatible liver can take time, so some precautions such as diet to control salt, proteins and withdrawal of alcoholic beverages, can make the disease progress more slowly.
