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WHAT IS ACUTE LIVER FAILURE? 

Acute liver failure is loss of liver function that occurs rapidly — in days or weeks — usually in a person who has no pre-existing liver disease. 

It is less common than chronic liver failure, which develops more slowly. Figures suggest it affects one in 100,000 people.

Acute liver failure can cause serious complications, including excessive bleeding and increasing pressure in the brain.

Depending on the cause, acute liver failure can sometimes be reversed with treatment. 

In many situations though, a liver transplant may be the only cure.

Signs and symptoms of acute liver failure may include: 

  • Yellowing of your skin and eyeballs 
  • Pain in your upper right abdomen 
  • Abdominal swelling 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • A general sense of feeling unwell Disorientation or confusion 
  • Sleepiness

Source: Mayo Clinic 

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