Liver Cirrhosis

USUAL QUESTIONS

What is liver cirrhosis?

Liver cells get injured due to various causes like alcohol, viruses, lifestyle disorders and genetic diseases. The injured liver cells start to repair; in the process, the inflammation and repair of the dying liver cells cause scar formation. Next, the liver cells that are alive multiply to replace the dead cells.

The slow progress of liver cirrhosis if left unchecked, may lead to life-threatening complications of the liver and impact your overall health, but the information given below will help you to know it on time and approach your gastroenterologist or Hepatologist as early as possible to avoid future health complications. By the way, protecting your liver will not only make you healthier today but will ensure that that you have a healthier tomorrow.

What happens Due to Liver Cirrhosis?

Progressive liver inflammation as a result of which scars form in the liver; detoxification of the toxins stops; the processing of nutrients, hormones and medicines which are taken gets affected. Structural changes happen to the liver, pressure inside the liver builds up. Liver cell malfunction and increased liver pressure tends to affect function of other organ systems like brain, kidney, heart, lung, muscles and bone.

Why early detection of Cirrhosis is essential?

Liver damage due to cirrhosis is not completely reversible; but stopping further damage to the liver is of utmost importance. Progressive liver damage makes the patient reach the stage of End Stage Liver Disease (ESLD) and Liver cancer. Therefore, it is mandatory to diagnose cirrhosis early & treat it immediately to stop further liver damage. Some times by treating the cause of liver injury, it is possible to retain

Why do you get liver cirrhosis?

You get liver cirrhosis due to Alcohol abuse, Fatty Liver Disease associated with obesity & diabetes chronic Hepatitis B & C disease, accumulation of excess metals: copper & iron in the liver due to genetic diseases; certain medications, inherited disease like cystic fibrosis, prolonged exposure to environmental toxins, parasitic infections and autoimmune diseases.

What are the symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis?

The symptoms of the liver cirrhosis vary according to the stages of the disease. There are no symptoms in the beginning, but as the disease progresses, the symptoms include the following:

  1. Fever
  2. Bleeding occurs
  3. weight loss
  4. Fatigue
  5. Yellowing of the skin due to jaundice
  6. Itching
  7. Loss of appetite
  8. Fluid retention (edema) and swelling in the ankles, legs, and abdomen (often an early sign)
  9. Blood in the stool
  10. Light-colored Stools

What are the Possible Complications?

  1. Coagulopathy – bleeding disorders
  2. Bacterial Infections
  3. Veins in the stomach, intestines and esophagus enlarge and bleed easily- either vomiting of blood or passing blood in motion
  4. Kidney Failure
  5. Liver Cancer
  6. Mental confusion, change in the level of consciousness, or coma (hepatic encephalopathy)

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