|  | Conditions Treatments | Diseases

Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Liver Failure

Liver failure is a life-threatening condition that must be treated immediately. Acute liver failure occurs rapidly and may be the result of a drug overdose or ingesting toxic materials. Chronic liver failure occurs over time as the function of the organ gradually deteriorates. Liver disease that leads to failure of the organ does not produce noticeable symptoms in many cases, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

  1. Fatigue

    • Fatigue is a symptom that occurs in the early stages of liver failure. Liver failure begins with scarring of the organ and a loss of function. The early stages of liver failure can be difficult to diagnose because the early symptoms, such as fatigue, may be attributed to another cause or condition.

    Nausea

    • Nausea and a loss of appetite is an early stage symptom of liver failure, according to the American Liver Foundation. Liver failure in the early stages is an emergency situation and requires immediate medical attention.

    Diarrhea

    • Diarrhea occurs in the early stages of liver failure, according to Methodsofhealing.com.

    Jaundice

    • Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes of patients with liver disease. Chronic liver failure may occur for many years before the liver loses all function. The concentration of bilirubin in the blood causes the yellow appearance of the eyes and skin.

    Abdominal Swelling

    • Water builds up in the abdomen in patients with chronic liver failure and causes the stomach to swell. Patients may also experience swelling in the legs as the liver loses function.

    Bleeding

    • Cirrhosis patients bleed and bruise more easily, according to the American Liver Foundation.

    Mental Confusion

    • Mental confusion occurs when as toxins build in the brain. This may also cause poor concentration and sleepiness. Patients in this stage of chronic liver failure are at an increased risk of coma and death. Treatment during the late stages of chronic liver failure may include a liver transplant or doctors may try to save any functioning part of the liver, according to the American Liver Foundation.

Diseases - Related Articles