end-stage liver disease

End-stage liver disease (ESLD) occurs when the liver, a vital organ responsible for filtering toxins, producing bile, and managing various bodily functions, has deteriorated to the point where it can no longer work effectively. This can result from chronic conditions like hepatitis or alcohol abuse. Symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), swelling in the abdomen, confusion, and easy bruising. At this stage, the liver may be irreversibly damaged, and patients often require advanced treatments, such as medication or a liver transplant, to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.