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Liver Failure
Liver failure is when the liver loses much of its ability to work. It can develop suddenly (acute) in a healthy liver, or slowly (chronic) on top of long-term liver disease.
Causes & risk factors
- Paracetamol overdose or drug reactions (acute)
- Severe viral hepatitis
- Long-standing cirrhosis (chronic)
- Heavy alcohol use
- Autoimmune or inherited liver diseases
Common symptoms
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Tummy swelling from fluid
- Nausea and poor appetite
- Extreme tiredness
Tests & diagnosis
- LFT
- Clotting (PT/INR)
- Bilirubin
- Albumin
- Liver ultrasound and further specialist tests
Treatment & management
- Emergency hospital care, often in intensive care for acute failure
- Treat the cause — antidote for paracetamol, antivirals, stopping alcohol
- Manage complications: bleeding, infection, fluid and confusion
- Nutritional support
- Liver transplant for severe or non-recovering failure
When to see a doctor urgently
- Confusion, drowsiness or disorientation — seek emergency care
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Yellow eyes with fever or rapid tummy swelling
- A suspected overdose of paracetamol or other medicine
Frequently asked questions
Can the liver recover from failure?
The liver can regenerate, so some people with acute failure recover once the cause is treated. Severe or chronic failure may need a transplant. It is always a medical emergency.
What is the first sign of liver failure?
Common early signs are jaundice, unusual tiredness, nausea and confusion. Any of these, especially with a known liver problem or overdose, needs urgent care.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.