Acute Liver Damage: Causes And Precautions

One of our body's essential organs is the liver. It carries out a variety of crucial bodily activities. Our livers are kept healthy by eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle.

However, some people suffer liver damage due to bad dietary habits, lifestyles, and routines. These injuries are sometimes acute and sometimes persistent.

We will talk about acute liver injury today and how it affects health.

How Does Acute Liver Damage Happen?

A rare heterogeneous appearance of significant liver dysfunction in a patient with no prior history of liver disease is referred to as acute liver damage (ALD), sometimes known as acute liver failure (ALF).

Despite its high mortality and morbidity, its overall survival has increased thanks to emergency liver transplantation and intensive care management developments. Nevertheless, the fundamentals of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) management remain a high index of suspicion, rapid referral to a specialised liver transplantation centre, and adequate supportive care.

Future results will be improved with a better understanding of the mechanism of liver injury and the management of multi-organ failure.

In a patient who does not have cirrhosis or other preexisting liver disease and has been ill for less than 26 weeks, it is the emergence of acute liver injury with encephalopathy and reduced synthesis function (INR or International Normalized Ratio of 1.5 or higher).

Acute Liver Damage Signs And Symptoms

Those who have acute liver injury may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Your skin and eyes become yellow (jaundice)
• Right upper abdominal ache
• A swollen belly (ascites)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• A generalised ill feeling (malaise)
• Confusion or bewilderment
• Sleeplessness
• The breath could have a sweet or musty odour.
• Tremors

Causes Of Acute Liver Damage

Acute liver damage results when liver cells are badly injured and unable to function normally. Among the potential causes are:

1. Medication Overdose

Drugs that can severely harm the liver include antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, and anticonvulsants.

2. Herbal Dietary Supplements

Herbal medications and supplements like kava, ephedra, skullcap, and pennyroyal have been related to acute liver injury.

3. Viruses 

Hepatitis A, B, or E can potentially result in abrupt liver failure. Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus are other viruses that can harm the liver.

4. Toxins 

One of the toxins that can result in acute liver failure is the toxic wild fungus Amanita phalloides, which is sometimes mistaken for one that is safe to consume. Carbon tetrachloride is another poison that may induce immediate liver injury. It is a substance used as a solvent for waxes, varnishes, and other substances and a refrigerant.

5. Autoimmune D 

It is a condition where the immune system targets liver cells, resulting in inflammation and damage. As a result, it might harm the liver.

6. Metabolic Disorder 

Rare metabolic conditions, including Wilson's disease and acute fatty liver during pregnancy, seldom result in acute liver injury.

7. Cancer

Your liver may become damaged if you have cancer that originates or spreads.

8. Heat Stroke 

Excessive exercise in a warm environment might cause acute liver injury.

How Can You Protect Yourself From Acute Liver Damage?

To keep the liver healthy and happy, liver detoxification must be done on schedule. Here are a few additional recommendations you can make to reduce your risk of acute liver injury.

1. Medication Directions Need To Be Obeyed

Do not exceed the acetaminophen or other drug dosage specified in the package insert. Ask your doctor if taking any acetaminophen is safe if you already have liver problems.

2. Moderate Alcohol Consumption

If you do drink, exercise in moderation. This translates to one drink for women and two for men per day for healthy individuals.

3. Refrain from Risky Behavior

Get assistance if you use illicit intravenous drugs. Never swap out a needle. Make sure your place for body piercings or tattoos is sterile and secure. Avoid smoking, or be quiet if you do!

4. Consume a balanced diet

Maintaining the health of your liver may be made possible by eating a balanced diet full of certain essential nutrients. You should get advice from a licenced dietitian.

5. Obtain a vaccine

Consult your doctor about obtaining the hepatitis B vaccine if you have a history of hepatitis or are more likely to get it. There is also the hepatitis A vaccination available.

6. Handle aerosol sprays with care

Make sure the space is well-ventilated before using an aerosol cleaner, or wear a mask. Use the same caution while applying paint, pesticides, fungicides, and other dangerous substances. Strictly adhere to the product's instructions.

Dietitian's Recommendation

Aside from pharmaceuticals, food will also aid you if you have acute liver damage, which is difficult to reverse.

It can provide you with sugar, other carbohydrates like rice, wheat, potato, and corn, and high biological proteins and healthy fats in the form of flaxseed oil, coconut oil, and ghee. It can also provide you with fructose in general and sugar in specific. Additionally, intermittent fasting has benefits.

-Dietitian Lavina Chauhan

Final  Say

Jaundice, gastrointestinal abnormalities, and unexpected weight loss are just a few of the signs of a liver infection. Even if you don't have liver failure, early detection is important. Due to the possibility of delayed symptoms, liver disease is a silent killer. However, with the proper care and diet, liver disease can be managed, and people can lead healthy lives.

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