Side Effects of Liver Damage

Scientific studies and analysis combined with abundant anecdotal evidence have helped to support claims that excessive consumption of medicinal products that contain acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, can cause or contribute to acute liver failure. The consequences of impaired liver function and liver failure are many, some of which include swelling of the face and extremities, reduced blood clotting capabilities and death.

Causes of Acute Liver Failure

Acute liver failure is often the result of sustained liver damage caused by environmental factors, toxin exposure or heredity. Typically, the appearance of jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin, is one of the first outward signs of severe liver damage and its onset may be rapidly followed by acute liver failure. Though liver damage and reduced liver function generally progress over a long period of time, toxicity caused by over ingestion can lead to rapid deterioration of liver cells, accelerating the onset of acute liver failure.

Early Symptoms

Some of the initial symptoms of severe liver damage or acute liver failure brought on by acetaminophen toxicity are fatigue, muscle tremors, disorientation, and bloating of the abdomen or limbs. Additionally, changes in urine and stool color along with digestive problems may be indicative of impaired liver function. More severe symptoms that may indicate advanced liver damage and acute liver failure are seizures, coma and death.

People that suffer from liver failure may experience abdominal swelling, as fluid in the belly, called ascites, accumulate and cause the skin to tighten. This tightening of the skin can place pressure on the lungs, causing breathing difficulties and it’s generally very uncomfortable. Edema, or swelling, can be limited to the generalized area of the face and extremities, but it can also extend to the brain. This is a common consequence of liver failure as the liver is unable to regulate the distribution of fluids within the body.

Kidney Ailments

Renal failure, or the kidneys’ diminished ability to filter waste and toxins from the blood, is one of the most severe consequences associated with liver damage. Renal failure may result in the accumulation of urea and other toxins in the blood which can lead to symptoms such as severe vomiting and diarrhea, muscle cramps and heart complications.

When the liver fails and its functions are impaired, its ability to produce coagulating compounds is diminished. This may lead to the impairment of blood clotting capabilities which could result in bleeding of the gums, gastrointestinal bleeding and bleeding of the brain. In severe cases, the body’s inability to produce essential clotting agents may lead to the loss of large quantities of blood, which can result in death.