Signs Your Liver Is Failing

Signs of Liver Failure

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 serious issues like rectal bleeding.

Acute Liver Failure

Acute liver failure happens suddenly, typically due to a virus, medication, or an autoimmune disease. Chronic liver failure happens slowly over time and can be caused by several different conditions. In both instances, liver failure can be potentially fatal.

No Appetite

People with liver failure can experience poor digestion and increased toxins in the bloodstream. This leads to nausea, which decreases appetite.

Sleep Issues

Poor, inconsistent sleep is a common symptom of liver failure. Sleepiness is also a feature of sleep problems caused by liver problems.

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.

Jaundice

Jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin, is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a reddish-yellow waste product found in the blood. Excessive bilirubin in the blood can be caused by inflammation or changes in the liver cells or blocked bile ducts.

Causes of Liver Damage

A variety of conditions and diseases can cause liver damage. Here are the most common causes of liver damage:

Hepatitis: Hepatitis is liver inflammation, which can be caused by a viral infection, alcohol consumption, or autoimmune disease.
Tylenol (acetaminophen): Tylenol can cause liver damage when it is not taken as prescribed.
Wilson’s disease: This is a rare genetic condition in which the liver stores extra copper in the system and damages the liver and, eventually, other organs.
Cancer: Liver cancer or cancers that have spread to the liver can cause damage to the organ.
Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis causes liver scarring, which replaces healthy liver tissue and slows down blood flow through the liver.

Complications

As the liver shuts down, the body is exposed to toxins and changes occur in blood circulation, leading to damage of the brain, kidneys, intestines, and lungs. Unable to remove toxins from the nervous system can result in decreased brain function, poor memory, confusion, and disorientation.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

It’s crucial to contact a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any signs of liver damage. Any jaundice, pain on the right side of your abdomen, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea shouldn’t be ignored.

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.

FAQs

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.
What are the signs of a medical emergency?
- Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if the following symptoms are present: blood in stool, urine, or vomit, abdominal or chest pain, sudden abdominal swelling, severe diarrhea, a temperature over 101 degrees F, confusion or disorientation.
What should I do if I think I may be experiencing signs of liver disease?
- See a healthcare provider right away.