What Are the 5 Stages of Liver Failure?

 In today's world, people face several issues associated with the liver. The liver might get damaged for various reasons, such as alcohol abuse, infections, genetics, etc. Liver failure happens when the liver can't work well enough to perform its many vital functions, such as producing bile to help digest food and clearing the blood of toxic substances.

In some cases, it varies from person to person and can be life-threatening for a few of them. Liver failure can be a life-threatening emergency. It can be either acute or chronic. Acute liver failure occurs quickly, while chronic liver failure occurs gradually over time.

Damage to the liver can accumulate through several stages. Each stage progressively affects the liver's ability to function properly. In such situations, the healthcare provider suggests undergoing a liver transplant. The liver transplant success rate in India is much higher, and people get multiple benefits from it. 

5 Stages of Liver Failure

Damage from liver disease can accrue in several stages, which increasingly affect the liver's ability to function. Mentioned below are the 5 stages of liver failure faced by people.

Inflammation

It is the earliest stage of liver failure, and the liver becomes enlarged or inflamed. Many people with liver inflammation don't experience symptoms. If the inflammation continues, permanent damage can occur. Thus, people need to take proper care of their health.

Fibrosis

When the liver begins to scar, fibrosis starts taking place. The scar tissue generated in this stage takes the place of healthy liver tissue, yet the scarred tissue can't perform the same functions. It can start to affect the liver's ability to function properly. Fibrosis can be hard to detect because symptoms aren't often present.

Cirrhosis

In cirrhosis, severe scarring has built up on an individual's liver. This is because there's even less healthy liver tissue, and it becomes very difficult for the liver to function properly. While symptoms may not have been present before, people may now experience liver disease symptoms.

End-stage liver disease (ESLD)

People with ESLD have cirrhosis in which liver function has deteriorated dramatically. ESLD is associated with complications such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. It can't be reversed with treatments other than a liver transplant.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is the development and multiplication of unhealthy cells. When cancer develops in the liver, it's called primary liver cancer. Although it can occur at any stage of liver failure, people with cirrhosis are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer.

Some common symptoms of liver cancer are mentioned below.

●        unexplained weight loss

●        abdominal pain or swelling

●        loss of appetite or feeling full after eating a small amount of food

●        nausea or vomiting

●        yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

●        skin itching

How can people prevent liver failure?

People can prevent liver failure by making a few lifestyle changes to keep their liver happy and healthy. Mentioned below are some of the tips for improving liver health.

●        Drink alcohol in moderation, and never mix medications with alcohol.

●        Take medications only when needed, and carefully follow any dosing instructions.

●        Maintain a healthy weight — there's a connection between obesity and fatty liver disease.

●        Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

●        Don't mix medications without first consulting your doctor.

●        Be sure to have regular physicals with your doctor, during which they perform liver blood tests.

The bottom line

When a liver stops functioning properly, it is known as liver failure. It can be of two different types, acute or chronic. Liver failure might be a life-threatening condition regardless of its type. It requires proper medical care and treatment. The early stages of liver failure can often heal over time with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. However, the later stages of liver failure aren't reversible and can sometimes require a liver transplant. The liver transplant success rate in India is around 65% to 70%. Explore the website to know more.