10 Signs of Liver Failure
- 1. 'Liver Failure: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments & Prevention.' _Cleveland Clinic_, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17819-liver-failure.
- 2. 'Articles.' _Cedars-Sinai_, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/a/acute-liver-failure.html.
- 3. 'The Progression of Liver Disease.' _Liver Foundation_, February 1, 2021, liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-progression-of-liver-disease/.
- 4. 'Acute Liver Failure.' 21 Oct. 2020, _Mayo Clinic_, October 21, 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acute-liver-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20352863.
- 5. 'Acute Liver Failure.' _Cincinnati Children's Hospital_, www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/a/acute-liver-failure.
- 6. Liver Failure By Danielle Tholey, et al. 'Liver Failure - Liver and Gallbladder Disorders,' _Merckmanuals_, www.merckmanuals.com/home/liver-and-gallbladder-disorders/manifestations-of-liver-disease/liver-failure.
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- 8. 'Adult Jaundice: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention.' _Cleveland Clinic_, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15367-adult-jaundice.
- 9. Portal Hypertension By Danielle Tholey, et al. 'Portal Hypertension - Liver and Gallbladder Disorders.' _Merck Manuals_, www.merckmanuals.com/home/liver-and-gallbladder-disorders/manifestations-of-liver-disease/portal-hypertension.
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The liver removes harmful substances from the body, processes fat, stores sugar and manufactures bile to aid digestion. It makes blood proteins that help transport oxygen, aid in blood clotting and support the immune system. Liver failure occurs when the liver can no longer carry out its functions properly.1‘Liver Failure: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments & Prevention.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17819-liver-failure.
Liver failure may occur suddenly due to poisoning, medicine overdose or diseases, such as hepatitis. This is called acute liver failure.2‘Articles.’ Cedars-Sinai, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/a/acute-liver-failure.html. The liver may also lose its functionality over time as a result of viruses, poor nutrition, obesity, genetics and overuse of alcohol.3‘The Progression of Liver Disease.’ Liver Foundation, February 1, 2021, liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-progression-of-liver-disease/. Signs of liver failure are similar, regardless of the cause.
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1. Digestive Issues
Early signs of liver failure may be similar to those of viral infections or other maladies. Digestive issues are common. These may begin with a loss of appetite and may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. As the condition worsens, blood may be present in the stool, and the person may vomit blood.1‘Liver Failure: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments & Prevention.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17819-liver-failure.
Proper evaluation and identification of the cause of these symptoms is critical. With early diagnosis and treatment of liver disease, the liver can repair and regenerate itself. At a certain point, the damage is irreversible and may lead to death.3‘The Progression of Liver Disease.’ Liver Foundation, February 1, 2021, liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-progression-of-liver-disease/.
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