The human body consists of many amazing organs that all work together to ensure that the body can function properly on a daily basis. Most organs “multitask” in that they don’t just do one thing, they do many, and when healthy, they do them well. The liver is one of those multitask organs. It is responsible for food digestion, infection control, blood cleansing, storing up energy for emergencies as well as many other important tasks. When illness or injury attacks the liver, the whole body suffers the consequences.
The largest internal organ in the human body, the liver is also the largest gland in the body. It is located in the upper abdomen on the right side of the stomach and above the gallbladder. The liver is actually one of the few internal organs capable of regenerating itself to a point when damaged.
There are many causes of liver damage such as bacterial infections, viral infections including hepatitis, autoimmune diseases where the body attacks itself for an unknown reason, and damage caused by chemicals including alcohol, illicit drug use, prescription drug use and even over-the-counter drug abuse with acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol) being the major over-the-counter culprit. Because of the liver’s ability to regenerate itself, a large portion must be damaged before liver failure actually sets in. Liver failure can come on quickly or develop over a longer period of time. It is much more common to have chronic liver disease leading to liver failure than an acute episode.
Given the wide range of responsibilities of the liver, early signs and symptoms of liver failure vary widely. Nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and diarrhea are usually the earliest symptoms of liver failure. These symptoms are also associated with many other illnesses, making it difficult in the early stages to diagnosis liver failure. Other signs and symptoms can include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Jaundice a yellowing of the skin and eyes that occurs when the liver is unable to adequately break down bilirubin. Bilirubin is formed from the break down of old red blood cells. It is the liver’s responsibility to process the bilirubin preparing it for excretion from the body.
2. Dark tea colored urine also caused by a build up of bilirubin.
3. Pale or clay-colored stools caused when the liver is unable to excrete bile.
4. Right upper abdominal pain caused by inflammation and enlargement of the liver.
5. Severe itching caused by bile products being deposited in the skin.
6. Increased bleeding and bruising caused by the liver’s inability to produce important coagulation proteins.
7. Varicose veins caused by decreased blood flow through the liver.
8. Ascites accumulation of fluid in the abdomen caused by low levels of albumin in the blood.
9. Blood sugar irregularities caused by the inability of the liver to assist the pancreas in the metabolism of carbohydrates.
10. Confusion and other mental changes caused by a build up of toxins in the body.
Prompt treatment for any liver illness or injury can greatly reduce long term damage to the liver, allowing it to regenerate itself thus preventing liver failure. Liver failure is a life-threatening and progressive illness that demands immediate medical attention. Treatment options depend on the cause of the liver failure.
The liver is an organ that the human body is unable to live without. Its responsibilities are vast and vital to just about every aspect of the human body. Quick intervention for liver diseases is necessary if the liver is to have the chance to heal itself.
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