Liver Failure: Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment

Are you feeling fatigued, nauseous, or experiencing yellowing of the skin? These symptoms could be a sign of liver failure. Liver failure is a serious condition. It can occur due to various reasons. These include alcohol abuse, hepatitis infections, and certain medications. 

In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about liver failure symptoms so that you can identify them early on and seek prompt medical attention. 

What is Liver Failure?

Liver failure occurs when the liver is no longer able to function properly. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including disease, injury, or damage from alcohol or other toxins. Liver failure can be sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic).

Different Types of Liver Failure

There are different types of liver failure, each with its own symptoms and treatment options.

Acute Liver Failure: This is when the liver suddenly stops working. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, easy bruising or bleeding, and confusion or changes in mental status. Treatment typically involves hospitalisation and intensive supportive care.

Chronic Liver Failure: This is when the liver slowly stops working over time. Symptoms can vary depending on how far along the condition is. But it may include fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice, itching, fluid retention (ascites), and mental confusion. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) and medications to help manage symptoms. In some cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Cirrhosis: This is a late stage of chronic liver failure where the liver has become scarred from damage. Symptoms can include all of those seen in chronic liver failure, as well as encephalopathy (a brain disorder), gastrointestinal bleeding, and hepatorenal syndrome (kidney failure). Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases a liver transplant.

Symptoms of Liver Failure

Liver failure can be a debilitating and even deadly condition. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of liver failure so that you can seek treatment early.

Some of the most common symptoms of liver damage include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Dark urine
• Bruising easily

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that the cause can be determined and treated appropriately.

Causes of Liver Failure

There are many possible causes of liver failure, including:

• Viral Hepatitis: This is the most common cause of liver failure worldwide. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C can all lead to liver failure.

• Alcohol Abuse: Alcohol is a toxic substance that can damage the liver. Excessive alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for liver disease and liver failure.

• Fatty Liver Disease: This occurs when there is too much fat in the liver. It can be caused by obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis and eventually liver damage.

• Autoimmune Hepatitis: This is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the liver cells. This can cause inflammation and damage to the liver. Autoimmune hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure.

• Hemochromatosis: This is a condition in which there is too much iron in the body. Iron can build up in the liver and damage it. Hemochromatosis can lead to cirrhosis and eventually liver damage.

• Wilson's disease: This is a rare condition in which copper builds up in the body. Copper can build up in the liver and damage it. Wilson's disease can lead to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure.

Treatment Options for Liver Failure

There are several different treatment options available for patients with liver failure. The most common and effective treatments are listed below:

1. Liver Transplant: A liver transplant is the only cure for liver failure. It involves surgically removing the patient's damaged liver and replacing it with a healthy liver from a donor. Liver transplants are usually successful, but they are expensive and there is a risk of rejection by the body.

2. Medications: Several different medications can be used to treat liver damage. These include drugs that help protect the liver from further damage, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow.

3. Dietary Changes: Making changes to your diet is an important part of treatment for liver failure. Eating foods that are easy to digest and low in fat can help to reduce the strain on your liver. You should also avoid alcohol and other substances that can damage the liver.

4. Exercise: Exercise is important for all patients with chronic illnesses, including those with liver failure. Getting regular exercise can help to improve your overall health and reduce the symptoms of liver failure.

5. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove parts of the damaged liver or to repair damaged blood vessels. Surgery is typically only recommended when other treatments have failed or if the patient's condition is rapidly deteriorating.

Diagnosis of Liver Failure?

Several tests can be used to diagnose liver damage, including:

• Blood Tests: These can help to assess liver function and look for signs of damage.

• Imaging Tests: These can help to identify any abnormalities in the liver.

• Liver Biopsy: This involves taking a small sample of liver tissue for analysis.

Once the cause of liver failure has been diagnosed, further tests may be required to assess the severity of the condition and to monitor its progression.

Conclusion

Liver failure can be a serious and life-threatening condition, yet it doesn't have to be. By understanding the causes, symptoms and risk factors associated with liver failure and taking the necessary steps to protect your health, you can help reduce your chances of developing this serious ailment. 

If you believe that you may be suffering from any of these symptoms or are worried about potential signs of liver damage, it is important to get yourself tested. You can book a complete liver health test with Metropolis Labs in the comfort of your home.