The liver is the largest glandular organ of the body and is located at the right side of the upper abdominal cavity. It plays a major role in the metabolic processes of the body. Cirrhosis of the liver is a serious health condition which causes irreversible damage to the liver. In this condition, the healthy tissues of the liver get replaced by scarred tissues. This change of the liver and change in the structure of the liver occurs gradually over a period of time. This in turn affects the normal blood flow through the liver and impairs normal liver functions. Cirrhosis of the liver symptoms largely depends on the damage sustained by the organ.
Cirrhosis of the Liver Causes
There are several causes that can lead to liver cirrhosis. In almost fifty percent of the total cases of the disease, the cause is heavy intake of alcohol. Chronic infection by hepatitis virus particularity the hepatitis C virus causes extensive damage to the liver. Even hepatitis B and D can also be responsible for this problem. Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition where the immune system makes antibodies that attack healthy liver cells and leads to cirrhosis. Then there are many other underlying diseases, genetic disorders, exposure to harmful chemicals, side effects of some medicines, etc., which are the other factors responsible for this kind of liver problem.
Cirrhosis of the Liver Symptoms
Compensated and de-compensated are the two cirrhosis of the liver stages. Compensated cirrhosis is the early stage of the disease and de-compensated cirrhosis is the later stage. When liver cirrhosis is at an early stage, only some minor symptoms are observed. They are as follows:
- Lack of energy which makes the body fatigued and tired very easily.
- A mild pain in the abdominal cavity at the location of the liver which could be tender to touch.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Rapid loss of weight
- Itching sensation all over the body
- Red blotches may appear on the palms
- Sleep disturbances
- Feeling sick all the time
When the disease reaches its later stage, then the liver cirrhosis symptoms become far more noticeable. A few commonly observed signs and symptoms are given below:
- As the liver fails to eliminate bilirubin from the blood, there is a high chance that the patient develops jaundice. This can be identified with the yellowish tint of the skin and the eyes.
- Fluid retention occurs due to inability of the liver to throw out excess of fluid from the body. This leads to fluid build up in the legs and abdomen.
- Different types of abnormalities in the blood vessels can be noticed on the skin due to rise in pressure in the veins. Among them, spider like blood vessels is the most common.
- Patients are prone to easy bruising which results in bleeding of gums and nose bleeding.
- The shape of the nails often change and become more curved. Even they look quite pale and white.
- Mental confusion and memory loss are likely to happen as the toxin build up of the blood affects the brain.
- Lack of sexual desire.
- As the condition of the liver deteriorates, it disturbs the function of the immune system. Thus the patients are susceptible to different forms of infections and other health complications such as stomach ulcers, kidney failure, lung failure, etc.
Cirrhosis of the Liver Treatment
Diagnosis of the liver cirrhosis is based upon physical examination, studying of the symptoms, medical history and lifestyle of the patient, some blood tests and an ultrasound test. The damage caused by cirrhosis cannot be repaired. Therefore, the liver cirrhosis treatment involves treating of the complications associated with it and efforts are made to prevent any further damage to the liver. Medicines are given to ease off the pressure from the blood vessels and thus the chances of bruising or abnormalities of blood vessels can be controlled. To tackle the problem of fluid retention, diuretics are prescribed. Use of laxative ensures regular elimination of poisonous substances from the body. Then various supplements are also given to meet the nutritional requirements of the body. Medicines are accompanied by lots of dietary restrictions. Alcohol, tobacco, narcotic drugs have to be avoided strictly. If the doctors find that the condition of the liver is bad, they would opt for a liver transplant where the diseased liver is removed surgically and is replaced with healthy one obtained from a donor. Hepatitis B can be prevented with the help of vaccination.
Diagnosis of the liver cirrhosis is based upon physical examination, studying of the symptoms, medical history and lifestyle of the patient, some blood tests and an ultrasound test. The damage caused by cirrhosis cannot be repaired. Therefore, the liver cirrhosis treatment involves treating of the complications associated with it and efforts are made to prevent any further damage to the liver. Medicines are given to ease off the pressure from the blood vessels and thus the chances of bruising or abnormalities of blood vessels can be controlled. To tackle the problem of fluid retention, diuretics are prescribed. Use of laxative ensures regular elimination of poisonous substances from the body. Then various supplements are also given to meet the nutritional requirements of the body. Medicines are accompanied by lots of dietary restrictions. Alcohol, tobacco, narcotic drugs have to be avoided strictly. If the doctors find that the condition of the liver is bad, they would opt for a liver transplant where the diseased liver is removed surgically and is replaced with healthy one obtained from a donor. Hepatitis B can be prevented with the help of vaccination.
