Infections, alcohol abuse, and genetics can all lead to liver disease and damage. Liver failure happens when your liver can’t work well enough to perform its many vital functions, such as producing bile to help you digest food and clearing your blood of toxic substances.
Liver failure can be a life-threatening emergency. It can be either acute or chronic. Acute liver failure comes on quickly, while chronic liver failure occurs gradually over time.
Damage to liver can accumulate through several stages. Each stage progressively affects your liver’s ability to function properly.

Stages of liver failure

•     Inflammation

•     Fibrosis

•     Cirrhosis.

•     End-stage liver disease (ESLD)

•     Liver cancer

End-stage liver disease (ESLD)

People with ESLD have cirrhosis in which liver function has deteriorated dramatically.
ESLD is associated with complications such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. It can’t be reversed with treatments other than a liver transplant.

What causes ESLD

The cause of liver failure can depend on the type of liver failure — acute or chronic.

Causes of acute liver failure

Acute liver failure occurs rapidly. It can be caused by a variety of things, although in some cases, the exact cause may be unknown. Some possible causes include:

•     viral infections, such as hepatitis A, B or E

•     overdose of acetaminophen (Tylenol)

•     reactions to prescription medications such as antibiotics, NSAIDs or anti-epileptic drugs

•     metabolic conditions, such as Wilson’s disease  

•     autoimmune conditions, such as autoimmune hepatitis

•     conditions that affect the veins of the liver, such as Budd-Chiari syndrome

•     exposure to toxins, such as those found in industrial chemicals or poisonous wild mushrooms

Causes of chronic liver failure

Chronic liver failure occurs due to liver damage that develops slowly over time. This can lead to cirrhosis, in which the large amount of scar tissue on your liver prevents the organ from functioning properly.

Some examples of possible causes of cirrhosis include

•     chronic hepatitis B or C infection

•     alcohol-related liver disease

•     nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

•     autoimmune hepatitis

•     diseases that affect your bile ducts, such as cholangitis

Symptoms of ESLD

Symptoms of acute liver

•     feeling unwell (malaise)

•     feeling tired or sleepy

•     nausea or vomiting

•     abdominal pain or swelling

•     yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

•     feeling confused or disoriented

Symptoms of chronic liver failure

Early symptoms of chronic liver failure

•     feeling tired or fatigued

•     loss of appetite

•     nausea or vomiting

•     mild abdominal discomfort or pain

Advanced stages of chronic liver failure symptoms

•     yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

•     easy bruising or bleeding

•     feeling confused or disoriented

•     buildup of fluid in your abdomen, arms, or legs

•     darkening of your urine

•     severe skin itching

Causes of ESLD

Cirrhosis usually progresses to the point where the liver loses most or all of its function — liver failure. In addition, people with cirrhosis may develop:

•     Bleeding of the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract due to enlarged veins in the tube that connects the throat and stomach (esophagus), a condition known as esophageal varices

•     Brain and nervous system damage due to the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream (hepatic encephalopathy)

• Cirrhosis also increases your risk of liver cancer.

Diet and lifestyle recommended for ESLD

Here are some tips to help prevent liver failure by changing lifestyle that keep liver healthy

•     Take medications only when needed, and carefully follow any dosing instructions.

•     Don’t mix medications without first consulting with a doctor.

•     Maintain a healthy weight — there’s a connection between obesity and fatty liver disease.

•     Drink alcohol in moderation, and never mix medications with alcohol.

•     Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

What to avoid: Avoid foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Stay away from a lot of fried foods including fast food restaurant meals. Raw or undercooked shellfish such as oysters and clams are a definite no-no.
Eat a balanced diet: Select foods from all food groups: Grains, fruits, vegetables, meat and beans, milk, and oil.
Eat food with fiber: Fiber helps liver work at an optimal level. Fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, rice and cereals can take care of body’s fiber needs.
Drink lots of water: It prevents dehydration and it helps liver to function better.