Liver Failure

Liver failure (Liver Failure) is a condition in which the liver tissue Received widespread damage. cannot be revived The cause usually comes from infection. The use of drugs causes or caused by other diseases, resulting in the liver being unable to function normally Patients may therefore experience nausea, vomiting, jaundice, dropsy, easy bleeding, fatigue, or behavioral changes.

Liver failure can be divided into two types: acute liver failure, where symptoms appear quickly within a few days or weeks, and chronic liver failure, where symptoms occur many years before symptoms appear. Both Different types have different causes and treatment methods. People with symptoms of liver failure should seek treatment quickly as it can be life-threatening. Additionally, receiving appropriate treatment will help patients control their symptoms and live a normal life.

Symptoms of liver failure

Liver failure often has early symptoms similar to those of other liver diseases. There will be nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea. After that, patients with liver failure will have the following symptoms:

• Jaundice _
• Weight loss
• Easily bruises or bleeds
• Itching
• There is edema in the legs or ascites.
• The liver or spleen may become larger.
• Are dehydrated
• Red, trembling or twitching palms

Some people may not show symptoms of liver failure until symptoms are severe. You may feel confused, dazed, or lethargic, or your symptoms may gradually change to a state of coma.

However, patients with alcoholic liver disease may also have jaundice. The toxins will accumulate in the brain, resulting in insomnia, inability to concentrate, decreased knowledge and understanding, and may have an enlarged spleen. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, kidney failure, or liver cancer.

Causes of liver failure 

Liver failure results from damage to liver cells. Liver failure can be divided into 2 main types:

Chronic liver failure

Chronic liver failure usually results from infection with the Hepatitis B virus (Virus Hepatitis B) or the Hepatitis C virus (Virus Hepatitis C) and cirrhosis from drinking large amounts of alcohol over a long period of time. This is when the liver tissue is repeatedly damaged by the aforementioned causes or is affected for a long time. Causes the liver to create scar tissue to replace normal tissue. The liver cannot function normally.

acute liver failure

Acute liver failure usually occurs due to the following:

• Eating an overdose of paracetamol , which can occur if a large amount is taken at one time. or is the use of drugs in excess of the amount prescribed by the doctor continuously for more than 2-3 days or more 
• Use of certain medications such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), anti-depressants, and use of naturally extracted hormones. antifungal medicine or medicine to treat epilepsy, etc.
• Using drugs such as ecstasy or cocaine.
• Eating herbal supplements such as cassia, wormwood, tea leaf extracts Which consumption is toxic to the liver depends on the amount eaten and the production process.
• Exposure to toxins, such as poison from certain types of mushrooms
• Various viral infections such as hepatitis B and C, Ebsteinbar virus. (Epstein-Barr Virus) Cytomegalovirus (Cytomegalovirus) or Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) or the virus that causes herpes , etc.

Acute liver failure can also result from diseases or conditions such as liver cancer and autoimmune liver disease. Reye ‘s Syndrome , Budd  Chiari Syndrome, iron overload and galactosemia (Galactosemia), etc. It may also occur in cases where the liver of a patient with chronic liver failure suddenly malfunctions as well.

Diagnosis of liver failure 

If you have symptoms similar to liver failure, you should see your doctor for examination. And inform your doctor if you have a history of drinking alcohol that causes problems. genetic abnormalities or other health problems, which the doctor will diagnose using various methods such as

• Blood tests to check liver function and determine the cause of the symptoms 
• A biopsy sample is taken for laboratory diagnosis (Biopsy) to check for liver damage. 
• Other examination methods such as ultrasound, CT scan or MRI examination to examine the structure of the liver and determine the cause of liver failure, etc.

liver failure treatment 

There are many methods of treatment for liver failure, including medication, surgery , or lifestyle modifications , which depend on the type, severity, and duration of the disease that vary from patient to patient. The doctor will examine the symptoms in order to adjust the treatment to be most suitable for the patient.

The most common case is liver failure from an overdose of paracetamol. Doctors will treat it with the drug acetylcysteine. (Acetylcysteine) to help the liver return to normal function. Another common case is liver failure due to liver infection. Doctors may treat it using medication and lifestyle modifications together. Those who have a liver infection should closely monitor their symptoms periodically. Go to your doctor’s appointments regularly. This is because your doctor may prescribe additional medications to prevent other conditions and monitor for future complications.

Treatment of patients with severe liver failure who are initially ineffective Your doctor may recommend a liver transplant. The doctor will select a liver that is compatible with the patient’s body and replace the damaged liver. Additionally, the doctor may perform a liver transplant from the part of the liver that is not damaged because the liver is an organ that can regenerate. or new growth

Complications of liver failure 

Patients with liver failure may be at risk for complications such as cerebral edema and abnormal bleeding. Esophageal aneurysm gastrointestinal bleeding acute kidney failure Respiratory failure or decreased immunity to germs , etc.

Prevention of liver failure 

Liver failure can be prevented in various ways such as:

• Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink .  The recommended amount of alcohol consumption is no more than 2 servings for men and no more than 1 serving for women per day.
• Control your weight within the standard range and exercise regularly.
• Have safe sex Don’t change your partner often. And when having sex, you should wear a condom every time.
• Use the appropriate amount of medicine exactly as specified on the medicine label or as directed by your doctor. The appropriate dose of paracetamol for adults with a body weight of 50 kilograms or more is to take no more than 2 tablets (1,000 milligrams) at a time, no more than 8 tablets (4,000 milligrams) per day.
• Go for a regular physical exam at least once a year.
• Avoid sharing syringes with others.
• Get vaccinated Hepatitis A and B viruses
• Prevent exposure to chemicals through the skin.
• Use the spray can in a ventilated area to avoid inhaling the spray mist.

However, if you experience symptoms similar to those of liver failure, you should see your doctor for prompt examination and treatment as liver failure can be life-threatening.