Question

What are some reasons why the liver fails?

Answer 1

Some common causes of (1) chronic liver failure and (2) acute liver failure are suggested below.

Explanation:

(1) Chronic Liver Failure (when the liver could fail in months, or years) could result from the following:

-- Chronic viral hepatitis (especially hepatitis B and C, if untreated).

-- Long-term alcohol consumption leading to Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) and the destruction of liver.

-- Years of overconsumption of sugars of all kinds (especially sugary drinks) and of simple carbohydrates (like white-flour products), leading to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and to Cirrhosis.

-- Cirrhosis of the liver (due to various causes).

-- Malnutrition (a severe deficiency of essential nutrients -- especially the lack of vitamin C creating a breakdown in the hepatic blood vessels walls and the breakdown of tissues).

(2) Acute liver failure (the liver could fail rapidly in some cases, due to accidental poisoning, or infections):

-- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose.

-- Some forms of viral hepatitis, if untreated.

-- Reactions to certain prescription drugs, or (rarely) some compounds in herbal medications.

-- Ingestion of certain poisonous wild mushrooms.

-- Chemical or toxin poisoning.