Liver failure is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It can be caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses, alcohol use, and obesity. There are two types of liver failure: acute and chronic. Acute liver failure occurs when liver cells are damaged significantly and are no longer able to function. Potential causes include acetaminophen overdose, autoimmune hepatitis, diseases of the veins in the liver, metabolic disease, and cancer. Chronic liver failure is a slow decline in liver function that occurs alongside cirrhosis, or severe scarring of the liver. Cirrhosis may be caused by excess alcohol intake, hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, bile duct diseases, and various hereditary conditions.
Infection, parasites, and viruses can infect the liver, causing inflammation that reduces liver function. The viruses that cause liver damage can be spread through blood or semen, contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. The most common types of liver infection are hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis A, B, and C. Hemochromatosis, an inherited disorder that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron, can also lead to liver failure.
If you have acute liver failure, common complications include bacterial and fungal infection and hepatic encephalopathy, which is a type of mental confusion. If you suspect you have liver failure, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
