Causes of liver failure that you do not expect

Alcohol is often blamed for liver failure. However, there are other factors that can weaken the liver and eventually cause it to fail. Here are the causes of liver failure and how to prevent it.

1. Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, abdominal fat, high blood sugar, and a large waist circumference. These risk factors increase the likelihood of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Although everyone is aware of this, few people know that metabolic syndrome can eventually cause liver failure. In fact, it is a major cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Too much glucose or sugar in the blood is stored as fat in the liver, which can lead to fatty liver, inflammation, and scarring. Over time, the liver becomes less able to function and leads to failure. If the veins in the liver are damaged, it can restrict blood flow and lead to life-threatening hypertension.

Prevention: Regular health check-ups and consultation with your doctor are recommended if you have any risk factors. This will not only help you avoid heart disease and diabetes but also improve your liver health.

2. Viral infection

The most common viral infections that can lead to liver failure are hepatitis B and C. There is also a risk associated with hepatitis A. Untreated herpes can also lead to liver failure.

Prevention: Liver failure due to hepatitis can be prevented by vaccination, early treatment, taking prescribed medications, and practicing safe sex. Remember, you can get hepatitis C if you have unprotected sex.

3. Obesity

Obesity is a chronic condition that can lead to various health problems, including fatty liver. Excess fat in the liver can lead to fatty liver, which damages liver cells. This can lead to cirrhosis or scarring of the liver and eventually liver failure.

Prevention: If you have a high BMI and are obese, you need to control your weight. Eat right, exercise regularly and you can opt for weight loss surgery. However, this should be a last resort. Maintaining a healthy BMI can help you avoid complications of diabetes, heart disease and, more importantly, liver failure.

4. Medicines

Certain prescription medications, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and anticonvulsants, can cause acute liver failure. People with tuberculosis and those taking these medications for a long time may also be at higher risk.

Prevention: Stop taking the medication and talk to your doctor about any problems you have with your prescription drugs. Some people are more susceptible to certain medications than others. Discuss your medications and their risks to your vital organs in detail with your doctor.

5. Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition in which the body’s immune cells attack and destroy liver cells. It is a chronic condition that leads to inflammation and liver damage. When the immune system attacks healthy liver cells, it can lead to cirrhosis, a condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and blocks blood flow to the liver.

Prevention: When your body's immune system turns against you, it can be difficult to stop. But with proper diagnosis and treatment, the condition can be effectively controlled. However, in some cases, a liver transplant may become necessary to treat the condition.

6. Herbal supplements

Sometimes, seemingly safe over-the-counter herbal remedies can pose a threat to the liver. Toxins or chemicals in herbal preparations can cause scarring and damage to the liver over time.

Prevention: Do not use herbal medicines, especially for long periods of time, without consulting your doctor.

According to SKDS/THS