K71: Toxic liver disease

K71.0: Toxic liver disease with cholestasis

The liver is an important organ on the top right of the abdomen. For example, it helps with blood clotting and detoxifying the body. Nutrients from food are processed in the liver.

Your liver was damaged by toxic substances. These toxic substances can for instance be medications, chemical substances such as plant-based toxins or drugs. But toxic substances produced naturally in the body can also damage the liver. These toxic substances are produced in the metabolism every day. Depending on how severely the liver was damaged, it may no longer be able to perform its normal tasks.

Toxic substances are usually excreted via the liver. When old cells are broken down or nutrients converted, this also produces toxic substances. If, for example, old red blood cells are broken down, substances are produced that turn the urine yellow and feces brown. If the liver is damaged, it will no longer be able to convert these toxic substances.

The white membrane of the eyes will initially turn yellow. Later on, the entire skin will often look yellow. The urine is often much darker than usual and can appear brown.