Emergency room guidelines

Navigating liver-related emergencies can be daunting. This page provides essential information to help you understand when immediate medical attention is required, what to bring, and what to expect at the emergency room. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge to act swiftly and effectively when liver health concerns arise.

Frequently asked questions about liver emergencies

Understanding when to seek emergency care for liver problems is crucial for your health and safety. These frequently asked questions address the most common concerns and provide clear guidance on critical situations.

What important papers or medical details should someone bring with them to the emergency room if they're concerned about their liver?
If possible, bring any information that can help the emergency medical team quickly understand your health history. This includes a list of your current medications (including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements), medication allergies, medical conditions, previous liver-related diagnoses, recent laboratory results or imaging reports, and the contact information for your primary care provider, hepatologist, gastroenterologist, or transplant team. It is also helpful to bring your insurance card, photo identification, an up-to-date list of emergency contacts, and copies of any advance directives or healthcare power of attorney documents if you have them. If you have had a liver transplant or are being evaluated for one, bring your transplant center information and transplant medication list. If you are unable to gather these items because of the emergency, do not delay seeking care—go to the nearest emergency department or call **911** immediately. The medical team will assist you.

If someone isn't sure if their liver issue is an emergency, what should they do instead of going to the ER?
If someone is unsure whether their liver issue is an emergency, they should contact their healthcare provider, liver specialist, or an urgent care clinic for guidance as soon as possible. They can describe their symptoms, medical history, and any recent changes so a medical professional can help decide the safest next step. However, if they have warning signs such as vomiting blood, black tarry stools, severe confusion, fainting, severe jaundice, severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or rapidly worsening swelling, they should not wait or try to manage it at home. They should call **911** or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. When in doubt, it is always safer to seek urgent medical advice.

What are the key signs or symptoms related to liver problems that mean someone absolutely needs to go to the emergency room right away?
The most important emergency warning signs of liver disease include **vomiting blood, black tarry stools, severe confusion or difficulty staying awake, loss of consciousness, severe jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), severe abdominal pain or rapidly increasing abdominal swelling, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, high fever with jaundice, or sudden changes in mental status**. These symptoms may indicate life-threatening complications such as liver failure, internal bleeding, severe infection, or hepatic encephalopathy. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, **call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately**. Do not wait for the symptoms to improve or attempt to treat them at home. Early emergency medical care can be lifesaving and greatly improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

What can a patient expect to happen once they arrive at the emergency room for a liver-related concern?
When a patient arrives at the emergency department with a liver-related concern, the medical team will first assess how serious the condition is by checking vital signs, reviewing symptoms, and asking about medical history, medications, allergies, and any existing liver disease. Depending on the symptoms, blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan, and other diagnostic tests may be ordered to determine the cause and severity of the problem. If the patient is experiencing a serious complication—such as internal bleeding, severe jaundice, confusion, liver failure, infection, or severe abdominal swelling—treatment will begin immediately. This may include intravenous (IV) fluids, medications, blood transfusions, oxygen, procedures to control bleeding or remove excess fluid, consultations with a hepatologist or gastroenterologist, and, if needed, admission to the hospital for ongoing care. Throughout the process, the healthcare team will explain the findings and treatment plan.

Know the signs, act fast

Your liver health is vital. Being prepared for potential emergencies can make all the difference. Understand the critical symptoms and never hesitate to seek immediate medical attention when needed. Your well-being is our priority.