What are the symptoms of liver failure and how to treat it

What is liver failure and what is it like

Liver failure Liver Failure is a condition in which the liver does not perform its basic functions well enough. For example, it does not have time to remove harmful substances from the body or produce bile in the required amount, which is necessary for digestion.

Sometimes the violation is almost imperceptible: failures in the liver are growing gradually, year after year, and in the early stages they practically do not make themselves felt. This condition is called chronic liver failure.

But in some cases, the body refuses abruptly, in a matter of weeks or even days. Acute Acute Liver Failure liver failure is life-threatening.

When to call an ambulance immediately

Dial 103 or 112 if three progressive symptoms of Acute Liver Failure appear:

Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).
Pain in the right upper abdomen.
Confusion of consciousness, drowsiness, disorientation in space, any other unusual changes in behavior or mental state.

These are the most striking signs of acute liver failure. In addition to these, weakness, general malaise, bloating, nausea and vomiting may be present, but this is not necessary.

How chronic liver failure develops

Doctors divide chronic liver failure into several stages of The Progression of Liver Disease.

1. Inflammation

It is usually caused by infection, poisoning, or injury. The inflammation may be asymptomatic. But if it continues long enough (as happens, for example, with undiagnosed hepatitis C), it leads to liver damage.

2. Fibrosis

This condition occurs when scars appear on the inflamed areas. Scar tissue cannot work the same way as the liver. Therefore, it becomes increasingly difficult for the body to perform its functions. Fibrosis often has no symptoms either. But if this condition is detected and treated in time, the liver can still recover.

3. Cirrhosis

At this stage, the liver is already covered with large scars. Since only a little bit of healthy tissue remains in the organ, it cannot work normally. With cirrhosis, the first really noticeable symptoms of liver problems appear.

4. Terminal stage of liver disease

This is a condition in which the organ is practically no longer functioning. The only treatment is transplantation.

5. Liver cancer

It can occur at any stage of liver failure, but people with cirrhosis are at greatest risk.

What are the symptoms of chronic liver failure

In the early stages, it is almost impossible to detect chronic liver failure. And if the symptoms of Liver Failure Stages do appear, then they are minor. In addition, they can be easily confused with ordinary malaise or overwork.

Fatigue, weakness.
Decreased appetite.
From time to time - unreasonable nausea or vomiting.
Sometimes there is a slight discomfort in the upper right abdomen.

It is only as liver failure progresses that its symptoms become more noticeable. It:

yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes;
darkening of urine;
bruising that occurs even from weak blows;
swelling of the arms, legs, in the abdomen;
palpable and at first glance causeless itching of the skin.

Therefore, it is so important to consult a therapist even with small changes in well-being, especially if they are accompanied by abdominal discomfort. Only a qualified doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and, possibly, save your life.

Where does liver failure come from?

Chronic liver failure is most often caused by such liver ailments as hepatitis, including autoimmune, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, disorders in the work of the bile ducts (for example, cholangitis).

The reasons for the development of acute liver failure are slightly more than Acute Liver Failure.

Paracetamol overdose

In the United States, over-the-counter pain reliever abuse is the most common cause of acute diagnosis. For liver failure, it is enough to take too much paracetamol once or drink it for several days in a row in doses greater than the instructions recommend.

Side effect of taking certain prescription drugs

Liver killers can be antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungal and anticonvulsants.

Reactions to some herbal supplements

For example, kava-kava, ephedra, Chinese ephedra.

Poisoning

Let's say poisonous mushrooms or toxins, which are contained in refrigerants, paint thinners and other chemicals used in everyday life.

Hepatitis and other viruses

Acute liver failure can be provoked by hepatitis A, B, E, autoimmune, as well as the Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus.

Blood poisoning

Sepsis occurs when pathogenic bacteria enter the bloodstream.

Cancer

A malignant process that begins in the liver or spreads to it from other organs can lead to its failure.

How to treat liver failure

It depends on the form and stage of the disease.

How is acute liver failure treated?

Only in the intensive care unit (intensive care unit). Failure of the liver often leads to cerebral edema and massive internal bleeding, so the patient must be under the supervision of doctors.

The most common treatment is to keep the person alive with supportive therapy by giving the liver time to heal. If the cause of the deficiency is poisoning with paracetamol, mushrooms or other poisonous substances, doctors prescribe an antidote (a medicine that stops the effect of the poison on the body). But supportive and drug therapy does not always help.

Without liver transplant, the overall mortality rate Acute liver failure - problems and prospects for their solution in acute liver failure is about 70%.

Transplantation - that is, removing a damaged organ and replacing it with a healthy donor organ - may be the only way to save a person's life.

How is chronic liver failure treated?

The main task of Liver Failure Stages therapy in this case is to eliminate the factor that damages the liver. For hepatitis, your doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs. Or drugs that suppress the immune system - they work if the inflammation of the organ is caused by autoimmune processes.

You can also improve your liver health by making lifestyle changes. Here's what your doctor will recommend:

Stop drinking alcohol.
Get rid of extra pounds. Physical activity and a healthy diet can help.
Eat a complete and balanced diet. You must get all the vitamins, minerals and trace elements you need from your food - they are important for liver health.

How to prevent liver failure

Here are the most effective methods for preventing Acute Liver Failure from malfunctioning of this organ:

If you are on medication, follow the directions carefully. In no case exceed the recommended dosage and duration of administration.
Don't be self-appointed. Even taking over-the-counter vitamins and herbal supplements must be approved by your doctor.
Don't overuse alcohol.
Check with your doctor about the need for vaccinations. Your healthcare professional may recommend getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, B, and other viruses that can damage the liver.
Avoid risky behavior. Sex with a partner whose health is not sure - only with a condom. Tattoos or piercings - only in a trusted salon that values its reputation. Sharing needles and drug use is an absolute evil and a crime against your body.
Do not share shaving razors and toothbrushes with other people.
Do not eat mushrooms that you are not sure are safe.
Be careful when using household chemicals such as aerosol cleaners, paint, solvents, insect repellents. Strictly follow the safety precautions specified in the instructions.
Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. And she, in turn, is able to bring to cirrhosis.