Liver Failure

Liver failure happens when a big part of your liver is damaged

Certain diseases, certain medicines, and alcohol can damage your liver

People with liver failure may have jaundice Jaundice in Adults Jaundice is a yellow color to your skin and the whites of your eyes. Jaundice is caused by a buildup of a substance called bilirubin Bilirubin is a yellow substance your body makes when it breaks... read more (yellow skin and eyes)

Liver failure can happen in just a few days or over several years

Liver failure can be deadly

Sometimes a liver transplant is needed

Viral hepatitis Acute Hepatitis Acute hepatitis is inflammation (swelling) of your liver that comes on quickly and goes away quickly. Acute hepatitis sometimes becomes chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis lasts a long time... read more (swelling of the liver caused by a virus)—most commonly hepatitis B

Cirrhosis Cirrhosis of the Liver Your liver is a football-sized organ on the right side of your belly, just below your ribs. It has many important jobs: To make a liquid (bile) that helps your body digest fat To process nutrients... read more (a liver disease in which normal liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue)

Medicine such as acetaminophen, which can cause acetaminophen poisoning Acetaminophen Poisoning Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter medicine used to lower fevers and lessen pain. It's sold under many brand names, such as Tylenol®. It's also found in many cough and cold products. Acetaminophen... read more

Alcohol

Feeling tired, weak, or sick to your stomach

Jaundice Jaundice in Adults Jaundice is a yellow color to your skin and the whites of your eyes. Jaundice is caused by a buildup of a substance called bilirubin Bilirubin is a yellow substance your body makes when it breaks... read more (yellow skin and the whites of the eyes)

Bleeding and bruising more easily

Swelling in your belly area from fluid building up (ascites Ascites Ascites is the accumulation of protein-containing (ascitic) fluid within the abdomen. Many disorders can cause ascites, but the most common is high blood pressure in the veins that bring blood... read more )

Dizziness and confusion (hepatic encephalopathy Hepatic Encephalopathy Hepatic encephalopathy is deterioration of brain function that occurs in people with severe liver disease because toxic substances normally removed by the liver build up in the blood and reach... read more )

Increased chance of infection because of a weakened immune system Overview of the Immune System The immune system is your body's defense system. It helps protect you from illness and infection. The immune system's job is to attack things that don’t belong in your body, including: Germs... read more

Musty, sweet breath

Throwing up blood

Bloody stool (poop)

Blood tests to check how well your liver functions and find out what's causing your liver failure

Urine tests, blood tests, and chest x-rays to see if your liver failure is affecting other parts of your body

Not drink alcohol or take medicines that can hurt your liver

Eat less red meat, fish, cheese, and eggs

Eat more vegetable protein (such as soy)

Eat less salt (by avoiding salty foods and by not adding salt to your food)

Fluids through a vein to keep your blood pressure up

Laxatives (medicine to help you pass stool) or enemas (fluid pushed into your anus and into your intestines to help you pass stool)—helps get rid of poisonous substances (toxins) from your body

Glucose (a sugar) given by vein (IV), if you have low blood sugar

Blood transfusions or medicine to help your blood clot if you're bleeding

Breathing tube and breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) if you have serious trouble breathing