The situation of liver failure is life-threatening and necessitates immediate medical attention. Liver failure typically occurs over a long period of time. Many liver illnesses reach this point. However, acute liver failure is a rarer illness that occurs quickly (in as little as 48 hours) and is difficult to detect at first.
When major sections of the liver become irreparably damaged and the liver can no longer function, it is called liver failure.
Early signs of liver failure are frequently confused with those of liver disorders and other ailments. As a result, diagnosing liver failure can be difficult at first. According to Mayo Clinic, the following are examples of early symptoms.
1. Jaundice.
When the liver is unable to effectively metabolise or secrete the yellow pigment bilirubin in the bile, it can cause jaundice (yellow skin).
2. Bruising and bleeding.
When the liver is unable to produce enough of the typical blood clotting proteins, bleeding or easy bruising might ensue.
3. Swelling of the legs.
When the liver is unable to produce enough albumin, the serum albumin level drops too low, edoema develops in the legs.
4. Fatigue.
Fatigue with no known cause, but which could be linked to a problem with the liver’s metabolic activity.
5. Swelling in the abdomen also called ascites.
Fluid can build up in the abdomen as a result of chronic liver illness, causing abdominal distension.
Ascites is a fluid buildup in the belly (abdominal) cavity caused by leaks from the surface of the liver and intestine.
6. Vomiting of blood.
When a patient has cirrhosis, blood vomiting might occur, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Chronic liver failure can cause a gradual loss in health until a spectacular incident, such as vomiting blood or passing bloody stools, happens.
