In liver failure, normal functioning of the liver is severely impaired. It may occur suddenly (acute liver failure), for example, as a result of acute hepatitis or toxins, or gradually (chronic liver failure), which is commonly due to chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis from long-term alcohol abuse.
Symptoms of acute failure develop rapidly and may include confusion, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and death.
Chronic failure develops more slowly and may produce jaundice, itching, abdominal swelling due to fluid build-up, and, in men, enlarged breasts and shrunken testes.
Acute liver failure requires immediate hospital treatment; it is often ultimately fatal without a liver transplant.
Chronic liver failure is treated with medication to relieve symptoms, as well as lifestyle measures, such as a diet low in salt and protein and stopping alcohol consumption.

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