It occurs when the liver loses its ability to function correctly, which can be sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic).
In acute liver failure, the liver stops working within days without prior liver disease, whereas chronic liver failure develops over the years.
As liver damage progresses, it forms scar tissue, which impedes liver function.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Early signs of liver failure include
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
Advanced stages manifest more severe symptoms such as
- Jaundice
- Easy bleeding
- Swollen abdomen
- Mental confusion
Diagnosis involves
- Blood tests
- Imaging, such as an Ultrasound or MRI, and possibly a liver biopsy
Causes of Liver Failure
Acute Causes: Causes of acute liver failure include acetaminophen overdose, infections by various viruses, reactions to medications, ingestion of toxic mushrooms, and rare diseases like Wilson's disease or acute fatty liver of pregnancy.
Chronic Causes: Chronic liver failure is often caused by hepatitis A, B, or C, excessive alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (now known as MASLD), and less commonly by autoimmune diseases or genetic disorders like hemochromatosis or Wilson's disease.
Stages and Treatment
Stages of Liver Disease: Liver failure progresses through several stages:
- Inflammation: The liver becomes inflamed, potentially causing discomfort.
- Fibrosis: Ongoing inflammation leads to scarring (fibrosis).
- Cirrhosis: Scar tissue accumulates, significantly hindering liver function.
- End-Stage Liver Disease: At this stage, only a liver transplant can be curative.
Treatment Options: Treatment includes medications for acute failures due to toxins, supportive care for virus-induced failures, and liver transplants.
Chronic failures require cessation of alcohol, dietary changes, and managing complications like infections or kidney failure.
Prevention and Lifestyle Changes
- Preventative Measures: Prevent liver failure by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, using barrier protection during sex, ensuring sanitary conditions for tattoos and piercings, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis. Monitor medication intake, especially with drugs known to affect liver health.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Those with liver issues should follow a balanced diet, decrease intake of alcohol, and avoid unnecessary medications. Regular screenings and blood tests can help detect liver disease early, particularly in at-risk individuals.
Take Action: Protect Your Liver
Don't ignore your liver's health.
Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and immediate medical attention for unusual symptoms can help manage liver health effectively.
If you experience symptoms of liver failure or are at risk, seek medical advice promptly to ensure early detection and treatment.
