Liver failure: Causes, symptoms and precautions

Liver failure occurs when most of the liver is damaged and cannot be cured and the liver can no longer work.

Things to know about liver failure

Liver failure is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical attention. Usually, liver failure takes place slowly and over the years. However, a more rare condition known as acute liver failure occurs quickly (maybe in about 48 hours) and is difficult to diagnose from the first time.

What causes liver failure?

The most common causes of chronic liver failure (when the liver weakens after months to years) include:

1. Hepatitis B
2. Hepatitis C
3. Drink alcohol for a long time
4. Cirrhosis
5. Excess iron (a disorder that makes the body absorb and store more iron than usual)
6. Undernutrition

However, the causes of acute liver failure, when the liver weakens rapidly, are often very different. These include:

1. Use too soon acetaminophen (Tylenol)
2. Infection of hepatitis A, B, and C viruses (especially in children)
3. Reacts with a prescription or certain herbs
4. Eat poisonous mushrooms

What are the symptoms of liver failure?

The first symptoms of liver failure can often be related to any indicator or condition. Therefore, liver failure is often difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Symptoms that may occur include:

1. Nausea
2. Anorexia
3. Tired
4. Diarrhea

However, when liver failure begins to worsen, symptoms will become severe, requiring timely care. These symptoms include:

1. Jaundice
2. Bleeding
3. Swelling of the abdomen
4. Neurological disorder or disorientation (called hepatic encephalopathy)
5. Or sleepy
6. Comatose

How is liver failure treated?

If diagnosed promptly, acute liver failure caused by overdose of acetaminophen can sometimes cure and reverse its effects. Similarly, if a virus causes liver failure, there may be medical assistance at the hospital to treat symptoms until the virus is no longer raging. In these cases, the liver will sometimes heal itself.

For liver failure as a result of weakness over a long period of time, the primary goal of treatment may be to cure any part of the liver that is still working. If this is not feasible, then liver transplantation is necessary. Fortunately, liver transplantation is a type of surgery that has a high success rate.

How to prevent liver failure?

The best way to prevent liver failure is to limit the risk of developing cirrhosis or hepatitis . Here are some tips to help prevent these situations:

1. Get vaccinated against hepatitis or immune globulin to avoid hepatitis A and B.
2. Eat full mode of different food groups.
3. Moderate alcohol consumption. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen (Tylenol)
4. Keep clean. Since bacteria are usually transmitted by hand, wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet. Moreover, wash your hands before you touch food.
5. Do not touch any blood or blood products.
6. Do not share personal hygiene items, including toothbrushes and razors.
7. If you have a tattoo or hole in your body, be sure to ensure that the sanitary conditions and tools are disinfected (no germs that cause disease).
8. Use protective measures (condoms) when having sex.
9. If using any illegal injections, do not share needles with others.