On an ordinary Sunday, Uncle Zhang, a retired teacher, suddenly felt a sharp pain in his stomach,** and his eyes turned yellow. He thought it was just an ordinary indigestion and didn't pay much attention to it. However, after a few days, his symptoms deteriorated rapidly and he was eventually diagnosed with acute liver failure.
This case is not isolated, but little is known. We often hear about liver disease, but we are rarely aware of the potentially fatal nature of acute liver failure. It's like a ticking time bomb that, once it erupts, has unimaginable consequences.
liver, our chemical plant.
Before we can understand acute liver failure, we need to know the role that the liver plays in our body. liver, this weight only accounts for about 1 of the ** body weight5% of organs, but more than 500 functions。It is responsible for metabolites, storing nutrients, secreting bile to aid digestion, and has a vital function - detoxification. In short, the liver is our body's chemical factory.
Acute liver failure: SOS signaling in the liver.
Acute liver failure occurs when the liver loses function rapidly for some reason. It is a medical emergency that poses a significant threat to the patient's health, usually in a short period of time. Acute liver failure differs from chronic liver disease in that it develops rapidly and often worsens rapidly within weeks or even days.
Viral hepatitis: The killer.
One of the most common causes is viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C. These viruses directly attack liver cells, causing hepatitis. In some cases, viral hepatitis can rapidly deteriorate into acute liver failure, especially when the patient's immune system is unable to effectively control the virus.
Drugs and toxins: an unexpected enemy.
Unexpectedly, some common medications can also be the culprit of acute liver failure. For example, the overdose of acetaminophen (a common antipyretic analgesic) is a prime example. In addition, certain industrial toxins, environmental pollutants, and plant toxins can also cause liver damage.
Autoimmune liver disease: a civil war in the body.
In autoimmune liver disease, the body's immune system mistakenly recognizes liver cells as a foreign threat and attacks them, a condition that can also lead to acute liver failure.
In addition to the above causes, there are some other factors that may trigger acute liver failure, such as alcoholic liver disease, metabolic disorders, etc.
Acute liver failure**: a critical life-saving step.
1.Supportive**: Stable patient condition.
Water-electrolyte balance: Adjust the balance of water and electrolytes in the body to prevent edema and electrolyte imbalance.
Nutritional support: Provide a high-energy, low-protein diet to reduce the burden on the liver.
Avoid infections: Use antibiotics to prevent or ** infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.
2.Medications**: Relieves symptoms and promotes liver recovery.
Antidotes: such as lactulose to help reduce the production of intestinal ammonia and reduce the burden on the liver.
Hepatoprotectants: such as essential phospholipids, which assist in the repair of liver cells.
3.Liver transplantation: the ultimate cure.
When medications and supportive** are inadequate, liver transplantation becomes a life-saving option. Choosing the right donor liver and prompt surgery are critical to improving survival.
1.Concomitant medication: to prevent drug-induced liver injury.
Take your medications as prescribed, especially for potentially hepatotoxic drugs, such as acetaminophen.
Check liver function regularly, especially if you take it for a long time.
2.Avoid alcohol and toxins: Protects the liver from damage.
Limit alcohol intake and avoid heavy alcohol consumption for long periods of time.
Pay attention to chemical toxin exposure in the work environment, such as organic solvents, heavy metals, etc.
3.Healthy Diet: Maintain liver health.
Increase your intake of vegetables and fruits and cut back on high-fat, high-sugar foods.
Maintain a healthy weight to prevent fatty liver disease.
4.Moderate exercise: Enhance physical fitness.
Engage in moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, on a regular basis.
Avoid prolonged sedentary lifestyles and stay physically active.
These prevention strategies are designed to provide practical, targeted advice to middle-aged and older people to help them understand the severity of acute liver failure and take effective measures to protect liver health and reduce the risk of acute liver failure. With this straightforward and easy-to-understand information, readers can better understand how to maintain their health through small changes in their daily lives.