When your liver can no longer function correctly, it can lead to liver failure, a potentially fatal condition. Liver failure is the final stage of many liver disorders and typically occurs gradually. However, acute liver failure is an uncommon type of liver failure that can appear within 48 hours and might be challenging to identify at first. However, immediate medical attention is necessary for both diseases.
What is liver failure?
Your liver performs numerous vital bodily tasks, including:
- Generating blood proteins to support the immune system, aid in clotting, and transport oxygen.
- Producing bile, which aids in meal digestion.
- Assisting the body in storing sugar or glucose as glycogen.
- Generating cholesterol and breaking down saturated fat.
When your liver is unable to carry out these tasks, liver failure results. It is a potentially fatal illness that needs to be treated right now.
There are mainly two types of liver failure, such as:
- Chronic liver failure: This kind of liver failure takes years to develop.
- Acute liver failure: Your liver will quit functioning within a few days if you have acute liver failure.
What causes liver failure?
Liver failure can result from a variety of illnesses and ailments, including fatty liver disease, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Chronic liver failure is most often caused by:
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Hemochromatosis
- Chronic alcohol use
- However, acute liver failure is primarily brought on by:
Hepatitis B
- Overuse of some medications
- Utilize specific drugs
- Vascular or metabolic disorders
- Septic shock
What are the symptoms of liver failure?
Liver failure develops over several years. The symptoms of liver failure often get misinterpreted with other diseases, which makes it difficult to diagnose in its initial stages. However, going for a regular checkup may help detect a liver disease in its early stage. Consider a Thyrocare blood test because it provides accurate test results.
Long-term liver illness or liver disease that progresses over years may result in:
- Feeling queasy
- Weariness
- Appetite loss
- Blood in the vomit
- Stool containing blood
As the liver continues to deteriorate, the symptoms could worsen. Chronic liver failure in its later stages might result in:
- Extreme fatigue
- Jaundice
- Accumulation of fluid in the legs and arms
- Being lost
Acute liver failure patients may encounter:
- Appetite loss
- Bleeding issues with movement
- Jaundice
- Musty breath smell
- Alterations in mental health
How is liver failure diagnosed?
Your symptoms, medical history, and the findings of diagnostic tests are typically used to make the diagnosis of liver failure. You can have a Thyrocare liver profile test to find out how healthy your liver is.
How is liver failure treated?
Most significantly, whether liver failure is acute or chronic affects how it is treated. Treatment options for chronic liver failure could include:
- Avoid drinking alcohol and taking drugs that can harm your liver.
- Steer clear of things like cheese, eggs, and red meat.
- Reduce your intake of salt.
- Control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight.
Treatment options for acute liver failure could include:
- Intravenous fluid for blood pressure control.
- Controlling blood sugar levels.
If you bleed too much under extreme situations, you might need a blood transfusion. But in both cases, your physician might suggest a liver transplant.
