Liver Cirrhosis

Initial symptoms of the condition include:

• Visibility of blood capillaries on the abdomen
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, vomiting
• Itchiness
• Unexplained loss of weight
• Tenderness or pain over the liver region

In later stages, the condition is characterized by:

• Bleeding gums
• Dizziness
• Accelerated heartbeat
• Swelling in legs and abdomen
• Jaundice– yellowing of eyes and skin
• Memory loss
• Muscular cramps
• Blood laced vomit
• Protein deficiency causing hair loss, swelling and weakness

Common triggers of the liver cirrhosis include:

• Viral infection like hepatitis B, or C
• Chronic alcohol intake
• Fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic)
• Obesity
• Cystic fibrosis
• Chronic hypertension
• Autoimmune diseases like autoimmune hepatitis
• Blockage in bile ducts
• Herbal preparations that harm the liver
• Exposure to chemicals
• Heart failure
• Fungal infections of the liver
• Genetic liver diseases
• Copper or iron excess in body

Diagnosis of the condition is done by a doctor by the following methods:

• Blood tests to identify the functioning of the liver
• Liver biopsy
• MRI scan
• Upper digestive tract endoscopy
• CT scan
• Ultrasound

Above tests may help identify the degree of the complications associated with the condition. A scale called as Childs-Pugh test score classifies the condition as:

• Severe
• Moderate
• Mild

Cirrhosis may also be classified as compensated or decompensated to assess the degree of damage. A compensated cirrhosis means that the liver can function despite the condition. A decompensated liver is often classified as a final stage in the liver disease.

Cirrhosis can be improved by stopping the consumption of alcohol or treatment of the underlying virus. Usually, the focus of the treatment of the condition entails to slow down the progression of scar tissue. Treatment of the condition can be associated with:

• Consumption of a balanced diet
• Avoiding high sodium intake
• Treatment of hepatitis virus
• Suppression of iron and copper levels

In case of severe issues, liver transplant is the last therapeutic option. However, if left untreated, the issue may become complicated leading to :

• Portal hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes
• Liver cancer
• Coma
• Death