Liver Cirrhosis

What is Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver Cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver. The liver carries out many essential functions including metabolism regulation, protein synthesis, vitamin and iron storage, bile production, as well as removal of toxins from the body. If the liver doesn’t function properly, it can lead to severe complications and even death.

Cirrhosis occurs when healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissues. Every time the liver is injured, it tries to repair itself and if the liver is continually injured, healthy liver cells are then replaced by scar tissue, leading to development of Cirrhosis.

1Causes

Causes

Liver Cirrhosis can be caused by different liver diseases and conditions. The main causes include:

Chronic alcohol consumption
Hepatitis B and C infections

Other causes include:

Autoimmune Hepatitis, which is a liver disease caused by the body’s own immune system
Frequent exposure to environmental toxins and drugs
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is caused by fat accumulation in the liver
Poorly formed or blocked bile ducts, which cause the bile to build up in the liver
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis caused by destruction of the bile ducts that carry bile out of the liver
Schistosomiasis, which is a parasitic infection common in developing countries
Wilson’s Disease caused by accumulation of copper in the liver

2Symptoms

Symptoms

Liver Cirrhosis patients may not show any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, when the disease progresses and significant liver damage has occurred, you will experience the following symptoms:

Black stools
Changes in personality and confusion in severe cases
Fatigue and lethargy
Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (Ascites)
Itchy skin
Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)
Loss of weight and loss of appetite
Nausea
Red spider-looking spots on your chest and back (Spider Angiomas)
Sleeping difficulties
Swelling of the legs (Oedema)
Vomiting blood

3Treatment

Treatment

The liver damage caused by Cirrhosis cannot be reversed. However, there are treatment options available to prevent or delay the onset of further damage and complications. The treatment depends on the cause of the Cirrhosis:

Cirrhosis caused by chronic alcohol abuse is treated by avoiding alcohol consumption
Cirrhosis caused by Wilson’s Disease can be treated with medications that get rid of the copper
Hepatitis-related Cirrhosis is treated with medication, depending on the type of Hepatitis infection
Liver transplant may be necessary for end-stage liver disease patients

4Complications and Related Diseases

Complications and Related Diseases

Brain confusion due to high levels of toxins in the blood and brain
High blood pressure in the liver (Portal Hypertension)
Increased risk of Liver Cancer