Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSignsCausesComplicationsWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs
Causes
Complications
When to Seek Care
The signs of liver failure occur in stages, starting with early symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, itchiness, and yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice). As it progresses, you may experience loss of appetite, fluid retention (ascites), and issues likerectal bleeding.
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It’s essential to know the signs your liver is dying. The liver’s functions can be divided into four main categories: digestion, blood cleaning, immune support, and blood clotting.
The signs of liver damage will start when the liver cannot carry out one of its jobs. These signs will vary from person to person.
Signs of acute liver failure appear suddenly and rapidly progress. Depending on the cause of the liver damage, symptoms may occur within just days, such as liver failure related toacetaminophen poisoning, or it may take up to 24 weeks for subacute hepatic failure related to an illness or other cause.
With chronic liver failure, which is far more common, symptoms develop gradually, becoming worse and worse as a disease progresses.
If the liver shuts down and treatment isn’t sought immediately, the other organs in the body will begin to shut down and it will ultimately lead to death.
No Appetite
People with liver failure can experience poor digestion and increased toxins in the bloodstream. This leads to nausea, which decreases appetite.
There are two hormones,leptinandghrelin, that control hunger. Leptin reduces hunger, whereas ghrelin increases hunger.
In liver failure, ghrelin levels do not increase as they should before mealtimes. This will cause a poor appetite, and the person will eat less. In the meantime, leptin production increases in liver failure. With more of this hormone, people with liver failure will have less appetite.
Sleep Issues
A study reported that inconsistent sleep is often due to changes in how the body processes the hormones melatonin and glucose (the body’s main sugar), which regulate body temperature and produce ghrelin.
People with liver failure are unable to process medications adequately. Therefore, looking for medication-free ways to helpimprove sleepis essential.
Itchy Skin
Itchiness is a symptom of liver failure that only some people will experience. Liver problems can cause itching anywhere. But it is more common on the palms, the soles of the feet, or on one of the limbs.Theitchingcan be in a single spot or all over the body.
Experts haven’t narrowed down the main reason for itchy skin in people with liver failure. Whether this symptom arises depends on the cause of your liver failure.
Jaundice
In a healthy liver, bilirubin is adequately removed. However, in people with liver failure, the liver can’t keep up with the bilirubin production, which causes theyellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
Jaundice can be the first symptom of liver disease, and in some people, it is the only symptom.
Bleeding
One of the warning signs of liver failure is bleeding.
The liver is a crucial player in clotting. It makes almost all of the body’s clotting products.If the liver is not working as it should, the blood will not be able to clot when needed. This can cause unexplained or excessivebleeding.
Fluid Retention
Fluid retention around the midsection, medically known asascites, is a sign of liver failure. The fluid collects in your abdomen and can become painful or make it difficult to move around.
Sudden Change in Weight
Weight loss can be blamed on malnutrition or a lack of appetite.When the liver doesn’t work properly, it can cause people with liver disease tolose weight.
On the other hand, some people with liver disease cangain weight. Sudden weight gain usually is due to fluid retention.
Red Palms
Red palms, also calledpalmar erythema, is a condition in which the palms of the hands become red. In some instances, the fingers can also become red. This is a sign of many different conditions, including liver failure.
Enlarged Breasts
Men who have liver failure from cirrhosis may experiencegynecomastia, which is breast enlargement.
The cause of breast enlargement in men with liver failure is twofold. The first potential cause is the liver’s inability to appropriately break down hormones. An increase in certain hormones can cause gynecomastia.
The second cause is related to chronic high alcohol consumption, which causes liver failure. Alcohol also contains a product that imitatesestrogenin the body. It stops testosterone production, allowing the levels of estrogen to be higher than testosterone levels.
Dry Eyes and Mouth
Another warning sign of liver failure isdry eyesand mouth. Primarybiliary cholangitisis an autoimmune condition that causes the liver’s bile ducts to die slowly.
People with primary biliary cholangitis also suffer extremedry mouthand eyes related to classic Sjogren’s syndrome, another autoimmune condition that often occurs with primary biliary cholangitis.
Early Signs of Liver IssuesOne of the earliest signs of liver problems is jaundice. The yellowing of the eyes and skin is a telltale sign that the liver is not functioning properly. Other early signs include:Discomfort below the right side of the ribsDiarrheaNauseaFatigueLoss of appetite
Early Signs of Liver Issues
One of the earliest signs of liver problems is jaundice. The yellowing of the eyes and skin is a telltale sign that the liver is not functioning properly. Other early signs include:Discomfort below the right side of the ribsDiarrheaNauseaFatigueLoss of appetite
One of the earliest signs of liver problems is jaundice. The yellowing of the eyes and skin is a telltale sign that the liver is not functioning properly. Other early signs include:
Swollen Belly
Those with liver failure can have a swollen abdomen for several reasons. One is ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. The fluid should be tested to make sure there is no infection.
A healthcare provider will insert a small needle to draw out about 2 tablespoons of fluid.In cases where the swelling is severe, a procedure to draw off this fluid can be performed. This is called paracentesis.
Another cause of a swollen belly is enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen.This is especially the case in people with autoimmune liver disease, with one study showing that almost 70% of people with autoimmune liver disease have swollen lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Tremors
People with liver disease can experience movement disorders, notably tremors. Tremors usually start in the upper limbs, such as hands and arms, but they can progress to include the lower limbs and the trunk.
Blood in Vomit or Stool
There are treatments for bleeding varices. If they do not control the condition adequately, a liver transplant may be recommended.
Liver failure can cause the breath to have a musty, garlicky smell. In ancient times, this typical scent of the breath was used as a diagnostic tool for liver disease. Modern medical researchers are exploring how analysis of a person’s breath can help diagnose the underlying cause of liver disease.
A variety of conditions and diseases can cause liver damage. Here are the most common causes of liver damage:
Risk Factors for Liver DamageFactors that can increase your risk for liver damage include:Heavy alcohol useObesityDiabetesFamily history of liver diseaseUnprotected sex (condomless sex)History of drug useToxin exposure
Risk Factors for Liver Damage
Factors that can increase your risk for liver damage include:Heavy alcohol useObesityDiabetesFamily history of liver diseaseUnprotected sex (condomless sex)History of drug useToxin exposure
Factors that can increase your risk for liver damage include:
As the liver shuts down, the body is exposed to toxins and changes occur in blood circulation, leading to damage to the brain, kidneys, intestines, and lungs.
Unable to remove toxins from the nervous system can result indecreased brain function, poor memory, confusion, and disorientation.The loss of brain function can cause the most serious complication related to liver failure,hepaticencephalopathy(HE). This is when waste products like ammonia cause brain swelling and severe neurological and psychiatric symptoms, including:
How Long Can You Survive in Liver Failure?Liver failure is often fatal. Most people with acute liver failure will not survive without a liver transplant. Once a person is in the end stages of chronic liver failure, the survival rate is two years without a liver transplant.
How Long Can You Survive in Liver Failure?
Liver failure is often fatal. Most people with acute liver failure will not survive without a liver transplant. Once a person is in the end stages of chronic liver failure, the survival rate is two years without a liver transplant.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
It’s crucial to contact a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any signs of liver damage, including sudden symptoms or progressively worsening symptoms that could be a sign of cirrhosis or other chronic conditions.
Anyjaundice, pain on the right side of your abdomen, fatigue, nausea, or diarrhea shouldn’t be ignored.
Signs of a Medical Emergency
Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you develop symptoms of cirrhosis in conjunction with any of the following:
Summary
Liver failure is a medical emergency that can either come on quickly or slowly over time. There are many signs of liver failure, but not everyone will experience all or even any symptoms. The most common symptoms are jaundice, nausea, fatigue, and pain on the right side of the abdomen.
If you think you may be experiencing signs of liver disease, see a healthcare provider right away.
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