Liver failure is a life-threatening condition that requires hospital treatment. Most usually, liver failure develops over time. However a more rare occurrence is when you get an attack unexpectedly (in as little as forty eight hours) and may be difficult to diagnose initially.
What causes liver failure?
The most commonplace causes of persistent liver failure (wherein the liver fails over months to years) consist of:
- Hepatitis C
- Heavy alcohol intake over a period of time
- Cirrhosis
- Hemochromatosis (an inherited disease that causes the body to soak up and store an excessive amount of iron)
- Malnutrition
Occasionally the liver fails unexpectedly due to inflammation caused by:
- Viruses in conjunction with hepatitis A, B, and C
- Ingestion of poisonous wild mushrooms
What are the symptoms of liver failure?
The initial symptoms of liver failure are:
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Discolouration of the skin
However, as liver failure progresses, the symptoms worsen, such as:
- Jaundice
- Unexplained bleeding
- Swollen abdomen
- Disorientation and confusion
- Drowsiness
- Coma
How Is Liver Failure treated?
If detected early, acute liver failure can be treated successfully and the outcome reversed. However, for this to happen it is imperative that diet and lifestyle changes are adopted and adhered to. Beechcroft Retreat specialise in safe detoxification of the liver and gallbladder.
