Cirrhosis: Everything You Need to Know
It's a slow-moving disease that takes years to develop. If left unchecked, scar tissue will eventually stop the liver from functioning. Cirrhosis requires long-term, persistent damage to the liver to develop. When healthy liver tissue is removed and replaced by scar tissue, the problem worsens because blood flow through the liver might become obstructed.
The symptoms, causes, and treatments of liver cirrhosis are explained in this MNT Knowledge Center page, which also includes information on complications.
Symptoms
However, as scar tissue builds up, the liver's ability to operate normally is harmed. It's possible that you'll experience the following indications and symptoms:
- On the skin of the upper abdomen, blood capillaries become evident.
- fatigue
- insomnia
- itchiness on the skin and a loss of appetite
- body weight loss
- nausea
- red or blotchy palms weakness ache or tenderness in the area where the liver is located
As liver cirrhosis advances, the following signs and symptoms may appear:
- personality changes as a result of a faster heartbeat
- gums that are bleeding
- upper arm problems and a loss of body mass drug and alcohol processing
- confusion
- dizziness
- Edema is a fluid buildup on the ankles, feet, and legs.
- hair thinning
- Bruising jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes, and tongue, is more common.
- sex drive deficiency
- issues with memory
- fevers are more common, and the risk of infection is higher.
- cramping in the muscles
- nosebleeds
- Breathlessness and discomfort in the right shoulder
- Stools turn black and sticky, or they turn quite pale.
- Urine darkens in colour.
- vomiting Having blood difficulties makes it difficult to walk and move about.
Fibrous scar tissue replaces the liver tissue. It's also possible for regenerative nodules to emerge. These tumours form as the liver attempts to repair the damage.
Treatment
Cirrhosis harm can be minimised by addressing the underlying cause or the many complications that follow if discovered early enough.
Treatment for alcoholism: If the patient's cirrhosis was caused by long-term, excessive alcohol intake, it's critical that they stop drinking. In many circumstances, the doctor will recommend an alcohol addiction treatment programme.
Medications: The patient may be administered medications to treat hepatitis B or C-related liver cell destruction.
Controlling portal vein pressure: Blood can "back up" in the portal vein, which delivers blood to the liver, resulting in high portal vein blood pressure. To lower the rising pressure in other blood arteries, drugs are frequently administered. The goal is to keep the bleeding from getting too bad. An endoscopy can be used to detect signs of bleeding.
The patient most likely has esophageal varices if they vomit blood or pass bloody stools. It is necessary to get medical help right away. The procedures listed below may be of assistance:
To control bleeding, a thin band is put around the base of the varices.
Sclerotherapy by injection: Following an endoscopy, a material is injected into the varices, causing a blood clot and scar tissue to develop. This aids in the halting of the bleeding.
With a balloon, a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube: The tube's end is capped with a balloon. If endoscopy fails to halt the bleeding, the tube is inserted into the patient's stomach. The balloon has been filled with air. This applies pressure to the varices, halting bleeding.
Infections: Antibiotics will be administered to the patient if an infection develops.
Causes and Factors that Increase the Chances
Cirrhosis is always the result of a problem or disease with the liver. If you don't treat the underlying cause of your cirrhosis, it will worsen, and your healthy liver cells will eventually be unable to keep up. You may feel fatigued, as if you don't want to eat, and lose weight without realising it. Your liver may be unable to function properly or at all after a period of time.
It's critical to figure out what's causing your cirrhosis so you can get the correct therapy and prevent it from worsening. The following are the most typical causes:
Abuse of alcohol. It's critical to seek help if you have a drinking problem. The liver is harmed by alcohol. Consult your physician. They might suggest that you go to a treatment centre.
Fatty liver disease caused by non-alcoholic steatosis. Obesity increases your risk of developing this illness. If you reduce weight and keep your blood sugar levels under control, you may be able to improve the condition of your liver if you have cirrhosis caused by this disease.
Hepatitis B or C are the two types of hepatitis. Medicines for these conditions can help your liver avoid further damage.