About this topic
Your liver is a very important organ. It helps you break down food and can help fight germs. Your liver also removes harmful chemicals from the blood. ‚
Your liver may be damaged and suddenly stop working. This is an acute liver failure or ALF. Harmful substances can build up in your body when your liver is damaged. This can cause more harm to your liver. They can also harm other parts of your body. ‚
Many things can cause ALF. Drinking too much alcohol, taking too much of certain drugs, or using some herbs may harm your liver. Other health problems like viruses or poor nutrition can also harm your liver. This can be a very serious condition. You may even need to have a liver transplant if you have ALF. ‚
What are the causes?
- Certain drugs like those used to treat infections and for pain relief
- Taking too much acetaminophen or Tylenol
- Poisons found in wild mushrooms
- Other illnesses like:
- Your immune system attacks your own liver. This is an autoimmune disease.
- Viral infections like swelling of the liver. This is hepatitis.
- Veins and arteries that block blood flow in the liver. These are vascular problems.
- Problems with how the body changes food to energy. These are metabolic diseases.
- Cancer
- Drinking too much beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
- Poor nutrition
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Being overweight
- Conditions like acute fatty liver of pregnancy or Reyes syndrome
- Not taking drugs the right way
- Not using sprays, insect repellant, and other chemicals the right way
- Eating greasy, fatty foods
What are the main signs?
- Yellow colored skin and eyes. This is jaundice.
- Pain in the upper right part of your belly
- Not feeling well
- More bruising or bleeding
- Fluid build-up in the belly. This is ascites.
- Feeling weak or tired
- Loss of muscle strength
- Throwing up
- Loss of appetite
- Not able to focus or feeling confused
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will press on your belly. The doctor will also look at the color of your skin and eyes. You may be asked to hold your hands in front of you so the doctor can see if your hands twitch. Talk with your doctor about possible contact to viral infections, drugs, herbs, or other poisons. Your doctor may order tests like: ‚
- Lab tests
- Liver biopsy
- Ultrasound
- CT or MRI scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Most often, the doctor will treat you in the hospital. You may need to be in an intensive care unit or ICU. The doctor will work to treat what is causing your liver failure. You will get drugs to help with your signs. You may need to have dialysis to help get rid of harmful substances in your blood. ‚
Sometimes, if liver damage is very bad, you may need a liver transplant. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Swelling of the pancreas
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Low blood sugar
- Brain problems
- Kidney problems
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight or prevent an infection
- Stop your body from absorbing a poison
- Help with bleeding problems
- Help with swelling
What problems could happen?
- Swelling of the pancreas
- Bleeding or anemia problems
- Infection
- Low blood sugar
- Brain problems
- Kidney problems
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Some ways can help lower your chance of having ALF: ‚
- Follow your doctors orders on how much and how to take your drugs.
- Tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking.
- Limit the amount of beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) you drink:
- Not more than 1 drink a day for women
- Not more than 2 drinks a day for men
- Do not eat wild mushrooms
- Stay away from illicit drug use.
- Get vaccinated against illnesses like hepatitis.
- Do not share razors, needles, or other personal items with others.
- Follow safety measures when handling blood or needles at work.
- If you get a tattoo or body piercing, make sure the place is clean, safe, and uses sterile tools.
- Use condoms to prevent the spread of viruses like hepatitis.
Helpful tips
Join a support group to get to know other people who have coped with the condition. You may find it comforting to be with others who share your same problems. You can learn a lot from others who are going through the same thing as you. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Liver Foundation ‚
http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/liverhealth/ ‚
US National Library of Medicine ‚
http://livertox.nih.gov/Phenotypes_fail.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚