Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of acute liver failure may include:

• Yellowing of your skin and eyeballs (jaundice)
• Pain in your upper right abdomen
• Abdominal swelling (ascites)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• A general sense of feeling unwell (malaise)
• Disorientation or confusion
• Sleepiness
• Breath may have a musty or sweet odor
• Tremors

When to see a doctor

Acute liver failure can develop quickly in an otherwise healthy person, and it is life-threatening. If you or someone you know suddenly develops a yellowing of the eyes or skin; tenderness in the upper abdomen; or any unusual changes in mental state, personality or behavior, seek medical attention right away.