Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Acute liver disease
Hepatic disease. Acute liver disease includes conditions like acute hepatitis and acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP)
What is acute liver disease?
Acute liver disease occurs when onset is sudden and symptoms can be severe but last for a short period. When the liver stops functioning properly, this can — in rare instances —lead to liver failure.
Examples of acute liver disease include acute viral hepatitis, acute alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) and acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP).
Need to know
In acute viral hepatitis, you may have no symptoms at all, or you may have symptoms such as:
- loss of appetite
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
- pain or tenderness where your liver is
- jaundice
- dark urine
In alcohol-related hepatitis, your liver becomes inflamed, swollen and tender. It can affect you suddenly, after a period of binge drinking for example, and can cause your liver to fail.
Some women develop a type of fatty liver in the final trimester of pregnancy ‒ this is acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP). Symptoms are often non-specific, such as:
- nausea and vomiting
- lack of appetite
- abdominal pain and indigestion
- fatigue
- jaundice
- excessive thirst
Your consultant may ask you about your symptoms, if any. If, for instance, hepatitis A is suspected, they may ask if you have been travelling. A blood test will be done to check for antibodies, and liver function tests (LFTs), a type of blood test, to check for liver inflammation may also be required.
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) has been linked to an inherited enzyme deficiency called long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD). Your consultant may ask you and your partner about both your medical and family history. You may also be advised to do LFTs, as well as an ultrasound, MRI or CT scan in order to detect any liver abnormality.
Depending on your diagnosis, your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you and help to determine the best approach for you.
If you have mild acute viral hepatitis:
- You'll probably recover in four to eight weeks with no special treatment.
- You may be advised not to drink alcohol or take certain drugs until you are well.
For severe acute viral hepatitis, you may need:
- To be cared for in the hospital.
- Antiviral medicines to help kill the virus.
If you have AFLP, hospitalisation is usually required so that your blood clotting and glucose levels can be monitored, in preparation for your baby's delivery. Birth by caesarean may be recommended.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.