Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Cirrhosis, also called hepatic cirrhosis or liver cirrhosis, is an end-stage liver disease. This disease replaces healthy tissue with scar tissue known as fibrosis. It starts growing and stops the liver from functioning normally. Cirrhosis can be fatal if it progresses to the point where the liver malfunctions.
- Liver cirrhosis can result from alcohol misuse,Β fatty liver, biliary illness, chronic hepatitis, and other diseases.
- The scarring from cirrhosis impairs the liver’s ability to carry out its normal functions.
- Cirrhosis causes the liver to become “stiff,” reducing blood flow and leading to portal hypertension.
- Varices, dilated blood vessels, can develop and potentially burst, causing complications such as an enlarged spleen, ascites, and severe gastrointestinal bleeding.
If liver cirrhosis progresses to an advanced state, the damage to the liver is irreversible. Although cirrhosis is often permanent, it’s indeed treatable.
Stages of Liver Cirrhosis
Liver Cirrhosis can be classified into four stages, each representing different levels of severity and damage to the liver.
- Stage-1 (Steatosis):Β This initial phase involves inflammation of the bile duct or liver, often causing abdominal discomfort. If untreated, it can lead to further liver damage. However, symptoms and inflammation at this stage are usually treatable, helping to prevent disease escalation.
- Stage 2 (Fibrosis):Β The liver begins to scar due to inflammation. Many individuals may only realise they have liver disease in Stage II or III, as initial symptoms can go unnoticed. Treatment can still aid in liver recovery and slow down disease progression.
- Stage-3 (Cirrhosis):Β This represents a significant advancement, where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, leading to permanent damage. The liver becomes hard and lumpy, impairing its function and causing complications like portalΒ hypertensionΒ and spleen enlargement.
- Stage-4 (Liver Failure):Β Also known as hepatic failure, this stage indicates severe impairment of liver function, requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent fatal outcomes.
Cirrhosis Symptoms
Depending on the extent of the liver cirrhosis symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Fever
- General tiredness
- Weight loss
- Easily bruised skin
- Spider red veins on the skin
- Black, tarry stools or blood in the stools
- Jaundice
- Reddened palms
- Hair loss
- Itchy skin
- Dark coloured urine
- Internal bleeding
- Fluid retention in the abdomen and legs
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Appetite loss
- Cognitive problems
- Breathing difficulties
- Stomach pain
When to See a Doctor?
Call your general practitioner if you notice the liver cirrhosis symptoms. The doctor will suggest certain liver tests and if you have liver problems the doctor will refer you to aΒ gastroenterologistΒ orΒ hepatologist for further treatment.
Cirrhosis Causes
Liver cirrhosis can result from liver damage brought on by a variety of illnesses and conditions. Among the causes are:
- Chronic viral hepatitis
- Iron buildup in the body
- Fatty liver
- Copper in the liver
- Cystic fibrosis
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Poorly formed bile ducts
- Genetic digestive disorder
- Inherited disorders of sugar metabolism
- Destruction of the bile ducts
- Liver disease is caused by your body’s immune system
- Hardening and scarring of the bile ducts
- Infection, such as syphilis or brucellosis
- Chronic alcohol abuse
- Medications, includingΒ methotrexateΒ or isoniazid
Risk factors of Liver Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis risk factors are:
- Chronic liver disease (B and C)
- Infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites
- Excessive alcoholism
- Smoking
- Unsterilised needles for body piercings and tattoos
- A fatty liver condition
- Autoimmune diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and primary biliary cirrhosis.
- Rare hereditary or genetically based diseases like Wilson’s disease and hemochromatosis
- Unprotected sexual intercourse
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High levels of triglycerides in blood
Other Risk Factors Can Include
- Gender:Β Women are more prone to develop liver cirrhosis than males.
- Age:Β People between the ages of 30 and 60 are often more vulnerable to experiencing liver disorders.
- Genetics:Β A person’s likelihood of developing liver disease increases if they have close relatives who have the condition.
Common Complications of Cirrhosis
Without medical care, liver cirrhosis can result in some potentially fatal consequences, like as
- Bleeding from constricted blood vessels in the stomach or oesophagus.
- Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity (Ascites ).
- Contamination of the abdominal cavity’s fluid
- Liver failure
- Brain dysfunction
- Osteoporosis
Prevention of Liver Cirrhosis
Take care of the liver to lower the chance of developing cirrhosis.
- Do not drink alcohol if you have cirrhosis: If you have cirrhosis, you should not consume alcohol. Those who have liver disease but do not have cirrhosis should see their doctor about whether they should consume alcohol at all.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet that is plant-based and rich in fruits and vegetables. Choose lean protein sources and healthy carbohydrates. Reduce your intake of fried and fatty meals. Coffee with caffeine may offer protection against liver cancer and fibrosis.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Too much body fat might harm the liver. If you areΒ obeseΒ or overweight, discuss a weight-loss strategy with your doctor.
- Reduce the risk of hepatitis:Β Hepatitis BΒ andΒ Hepatitis CΒ risks are increased by sharing needles and engaging in unprotected sex. See your doctor for hepatitis vaccines.
How to Diagnose Liver Cirrhosis?
One or more of the imaging tests listed below may be carried out if the doctor suspects patients have cirrhosis:
- Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Elastography
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
Other Tests Includes
- Biopsy
- Liver function test
Treatment Options for Cirrhosis
The best course for treating liver cirrhosis depends on what caused it, what symptoms patients are now experiencing, and how far the condition has advanced. Medication, dietary modifications, and surgery are all forms of treatment.
Cirrhosis Medication
The doctor may prescribe certain drugs, including beta-blockers or nitrates, depending on the cause of the cirrhosis (for portal hypertension). Additionally, they can suggest taking antibiotics or other drugs to cure hepatitis.
Lifestyle changes
- The doctor may suggest to stop drinking if the cirrhosis is caused by alcohol consumption.
- Additionally, if they believe it is medically required, they could advise patients to lose weight.
- A low-sodium diet could also be suggested if you have ascites.
