Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Cirrhosis is a late effect of liver and hepatic disease and its usual symptoms. You may not notice symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Common causes include alcohol-related liver disease, hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of cirrhosis. Liver transplantation may be an option in its later stages.
Many diseases and conditions can injure healthy liver cells, resulting in cell death and inflammation. This leads to the subsequent cell repair process and tissue scarring on account of the repair process.
Scar tissue obstructs the flow of blood through the liver and makes it difficult for the body to process nutrients and a variety of other compounds, such as drugs, hormones, and natural poisons (toxins). Scar tissue reduces the production of proteins and other molecules made by the liver. Cirrhosis causes the liver to progressively lose the ability to function. Late-stage cirrhosis is life-threatening.
How common is Liver cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis is a serious, yet preventable medical condition. It affects roughly 1 in every 10,000 people worldwide and can be caused by many factors such as alcohol consumption or viral hepatitis. The good news is that with the right treatment plan, liver cirrhosis can be managed and even reversed.
The most common form of treatment for liver cirrhosis is lifestyle changes. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol and limiting exposure to any potential toxic substances or chemicals. Additionally, medications may also be used to help control symptoms while the underlying cause of the disease is being treated. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged portions of the liver or replace it altogether through transplantation.
What symptoms can liver disease cause?
The symptoms of liver cirrhosis include jaundice and abdominal pain.
Liver cirrhosis is a chronic medical condition that affects the normal functioning of the liver. It’s caused by long-term damage to the liver, often from years of excessive alcohol intake or viral infections. While it can be serious, there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can help manage its symptoms.
One of the most common symptoms associated with liver cirrhosis is jaundice – a yellowing of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes due to excess bilirubin in the bloodstream. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine and mental confusion.
Causes:
The most common causes of liver cirrhosis include long-term alcohol abuse and chronic hepatitis infections. In some cases, autoimmune diseases or inherited conditions such as Wilson’s disease may also lead to cirrhosis. Other factors that can increase your risk include excessive exposure to toxins or medications, obesity, diabetes and excessive iron in the body.
Treatments:
Early detection and treatment are key for those diagnosed with liver cirrhosis; creating underlying causes such as reducing alcohol intake can help significantly reduce risks for further complications down the line.
In conclusion, liver cirrhosis can be a serious and life-threatening condition, but with the right treatment, you can still lead a long and healthy life. With the proper awareness and attention to any symptoms that may present themselves, you can stay ahead of this disease. Treatment options such as lifestyle changes, medications, or even surgery are available and should be discussed with your doctor.
