What is Liver Cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis is a progressive liver disease characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue (fibrosis).
This scarring results from long-term damage to the liver, which disrupts its normal function.
The liver is vital for various functions, including detoxifying harmful substances, producing proteins essential for blood clotting, and metabolizing nutrients.
When cirrhosis develops, the liver becomes increasingly incapable of performing these critical functions.
Side Effects of Liver Cirrhosis
The progression of liver cirrhosis can lead to a range of symptoms and complications, including:
- Fatigue and Weakness: Persistent tiredness and general weakness are common.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the accumulation of bilirubin.
- Abdominal Pain and Swelling: Pain and fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) can occur.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive issues may arise, including loss of appetite.
- Itchy Skin: This is often due to bile salt accumulation.
- Easy Bruising and Bleeding: Reduced production of clotting factors can lead to increased bleeding tendencies.
- Mental Confusion: Known as hepatic encephalopathy, this condition affects brain function due to toxin buildup.
How is Liver Cirrhosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing liver cirrhosis typically involves a combination of methods:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history, and conduct a physical exam to check for signs of liver damage.
- Blood Tests: These tests assess liver function and check for markers of liver inflammation or infection. Common tests include liver function tests (LFTs), complete blood count (CBC), and tests for viral hepatitis.
- Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may be used to visualize liver structure and detect abnormalities such as liver nodules or ascites.
- Liver Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a small sample of liver tissue to examine under a microscope, which helps determine the extent of fibrosis and liver damage.
- Elastography: This non-invasive imaging technique measures liver stiffness, which can indicate the degree of fibrosis.
Potential Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis
The treatment for liver cirrhosis focuses on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and addressing the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:
- Medication: Various medications can help manage symptoms or complications, such as diuretics for fluid retention or medications to manage hepatic encephalopathy.
- Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial. This includes abstaining from alcohol, maintaining a balanced diet, and managing weight.
- Treating Underlying Causes: If cirrhosis is due to hepatitis or other conditions, treating the underlying cause can help slow progression. For example, antiviral medications for hepatitis or lifestyle modifications for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may be recommended.
- Monitoring and Managing Complications: Regular monitoring is essential to manage complications like portal hypertension or liver cancer.
- Liver Transplant: In severe cases where the liver is no longer able to function properly, a liver transplant may be considered. This involves replacing the damaged liver with a healthy donor liver.
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