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stages of liver failure
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Digestive Health
Question #20230
49 days ago
100

stages of liver failure - #20230

Aayan

I am really freaking out here. My dad's health started going down hill like a month ago—we thought it was just the flu at first. But he always seems tired, has this weird swelling in his legs, and at some points, he has this yellowish tint to his skin, which I think is jaundice? We took him to the doctor and they mentioned something about stages of liver failure. Like, I had no idea there were actual stages of liver failure and it sounded serious. They ran some tests, and I saw the word "cirrhosis" thrown around, which scared me. They didn’t give us all the details, but I'm worried it might be advanced. I've heard of a couple people who went through stages of liver failure before, and it never ends well. Is there a way to tell what stage he’s in? How can I find out more about the stages of liver failure, and is there anything we can do to help him? I mean, what are the symptoms to look out for as it progresses? I’m just trying to piece everything together but feel lost and scared. Any tips or info would really help!

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Doctors' responses

Liver failure progresses in stages, and it’s important to understand what each stage involves to properly manage the condition and possibly improve outcomes. The early stage of liver failure, known as compensated cirrhosis, might show minimal symptoms as the liver is still able to perform many of its functions, though it’s under stress. This phase can go unnoticed for quite some time. As liver damage progresses, symptoms start to appear, marking the transition to decompensated cirrhosis, which includes the yellowing of the skin (jaundice), leg swelling (edema), fatigue, and in more severe cases, confusion due to a buildup of toxins (hepatic encephalopathy). Advanced symptoms include more serious complications like variceal bleeding or ascites, which is fluid buildup in the abdomen. Diagnosis is typically through a combination of blood tests, imaging, and sometimes a biopsy to assess liver tissue. Since you mentioned tests were done, these should give a clearer picture of your dad’s liver function and guide treatment. Management generally involves controlling symptoms, addressing the underlying cause of liver damage (like reducing alcohol intake, managing hepatitis, etc.), and sometimes medication. In severe cases, a liver transplant might be considered. To determine what stage your father is in, you’ll need to discuss the results of those tests with his healthcare provider who can give specific guidance based on his case. It’s urgent to keep in close contact with his doctor, as liver failure can progress quickly. Understanding the stages can help you identify red-flag symptoms like confusion, severe jaundice, or significant swelling, which necessitate medical attention.

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