What is liver failure? (Liver Failure) Let's find out exactly about this

We don't think much about the organs in our body on a daily basis, do we? But the liver is a very important organ that works silently, like a factory in our body. Its work is not insignificant. But what if this liver is damaged and starts to stop working? That's what we call liver failure. This is a very serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Simply put, what is the main function of the liver?

Your liver is the largest solid organ in your body. Here are some of its main functions:

• Blood purification: The liver removes toxins from the blood, such as the food, medicine, and alcohol we consume. It acts like a filter.
• Bile production: Bile, which helps digest food, especially fats, is produced by the liver.
• Protein production: This is where many other proteins important to the body, including proteins needed for blood clotting, are made.
• Energy storage: The liver stores the energy we need for our body in the form of sugar and glucose.
• Helping immunity: It also helps protect us from diseases by removing things like bacteria from the blood.

Can you imagine what would happen if the liver, which performs so many important functions, stopped working?

There are two main types of liver failure:

There are two main types of liver failure, depending on how it occurs. It is very important to be aware of these two.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

Often, the symptoms are not very obvious in the early stages. That's why it can be difficult to diagnose. But as the condition becomes more serious, the symptoms become more obvious.

Why does the liver fail like this? Let's look at the reasons

There are many causes of liver failure. These causes vary depending on whether it occurs suddenly or over time.

Causes of Acute Liver Failure

• Overdosing on painkillers like acetaminophen: This is the leading cause of sudden liver failure. Taking more than the doctor prescribed can cause serious liver damage.
• Viral infections: Viruses like Hepatitis A, B, and E.
• Eating poisonous mushrooms: Eating unfamiliar wild mushrooms can cause liver failure within a few days. If you suspect you have been poisoned by something you ate, call the National Poison Information Center at the National Hospital immediately.
• Reactions to certain medications: Some medications and herbs can damage the liver.
• Genetic diseases: Genetic diseases that prevent the body from removing copper, such as Wilson's disease.
• Autoimmune hepatitis: The body's own immune system attacks the liver.

Causes of Chronic Liver Failure

• Excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time: This is the main cause of cirrhosis in our country.
• Hepatitis B and C viruses: These viruses can damage the liver and cause cirrhosis if left in the body for a long time.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Fatty liver disease caused by obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol can damage the liver over time. This is a problem that many people face today.

How does a doctor find this?

If you suspect you have a liver problem, your doctor may run several tests.

• Blood tests: Liver enzymes and protein levels can be used to determine how well the liver is working. Prothrombin time, which measures the time it takes for blood to clot, is especially important.
• Imaging tests: An ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan can be used to check the condition, size, and damage to the liver.
• Biopsy: Sometimes, a very small piece of tissue is taken from the liver using a thin needle and examined under a microscope. This can help confirm the exact nature of the disease.

What are the treatments?

Treatment depends on the cause of liver failure and the extent of damage.

• For emergencies: If it is due to a paracetamol overdose, a special medicine (Acetylcysteine) can be given quickly to save the liver. If it is due to a virus, the patient is kept in the hospital until the virus has passed from the body and the symptoms are treated.
• For conditions caused by alcohol: The main and mandatory treatment is to completely stop drinking alcohol. If this is difficult, you can seek help from counseling and rehabilitation centers. Without stopping alcohol, no other treatment can achieve successful results.
• Liver transplant: If the damage to the liver cannot be reversed, the only solution is a liver transplant. In this, the damaged liver is removed and a liver or part of the liver from a healthy person is transplanted.

How do you avoid liver failure?

The liver is an amazing organ that doesn't get sick easily and can heal itself to some extent even if it's damaged. But we need to help it.

• Limit or completely stop drinking alcohol: This is the best thing you can do for your liver.
• Eat a healthy diet: Reduce foods high in oil, sugar, and salt, and eat vegetables, fruits, and clean foods.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a major cause of fat accumulation in the liver.
• Get the hepatitis B vaccine: This will protect you from the hepatitis B virus.
• Practice safe sex: Hepatitis B and C viruses can be transmitted sexually.
• Do not use needles, razors, toothbrushes, etc. that have been used by others.
• Be careful when using medications: Do not take too much medication, especially painkillers, unless prescribed by a doctor. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.