Is sudden abnormal liver function and jaundice serious?

Sudden abnormal liver function accompanied by jaundice often indicates serious problems with liver health, and it is necessary to seek medical attention as soon as possible to find out the cause. Abnormal liver function may be caused by viral infection, drug toxicity, fatty liver, alcohol damage or other pathological reasons, while jaundice is the result of bilirubin metabolism disorders in the body. It is key to identify the cause as soon as possible and take targeted treatment.

1 Causes of abnormal liver function and jaundice

Viral infection: The most common is viral hepatitis such as hepatitis A, B, and C. The virus attacks liver cells, destroys liver function, causes bilirubin metabolism disorders, and causes jaundice. Such diseases are often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea.

Drug or toxic damage: Long-term use of drugs such as paracetamol, antibiotics, etc. or exposure to toxic substances such as alcohol and poisoning may directly damage liver cells, leading to decreased liver function and jaundice.

Fatty liver or alcoholic liver disease: Excessive fat deposition in the liver or long-term drinking can induce fatty hepatitis or even cirrhosis, causing worsening of jaundice symptoms.

Other pathologies and serious diseases: such as autoimmune liver disease, bile duct obstruction, cirrhosis or liver cancer can also cause abnormal liver function accompanied by jaundice.

2How to deal with abnormal liver function and jaundice

Seek medical attention promptly: Detailed blood biochemical tests such as five liver function tests, virus testing, B-ultrasound or CT imaging examinations are required. Targeted treatment can be carried out after the cause of the disease is identified.

Drug treatment: Drug treatment is carried out according to the clear cause. For example, antiviral drugs such as entecavir and tenofovir are used to treat hepatitis B, and liver protection drugs such as polyene phosphatidylcholine. Severe cases may require hormone drugs, immunosuppressive drugs, etc.

Diet and lifestyle adjustments: Choose a low-fat, low-salt, high-protein diet, avoid high-greasy food and alcohol intake; develop a regular schedule to reduce the burden on the liver.

Surgery: For jaundice caused by bile duct obstruction or tumors, surgery may be needed to clear the bile duct or remove the diseased mass. If cirrhosis is severe, a liver transplant may also be considered.

Abnormal liver function accompanied by jaundice is very serious and may reflect liver damage or serious underlying diseases. If related symptoms are found, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the cause, follow the doctor's advice for treatment, and cooperate with scientific diet and lifestyle improvements to protect liver health.