On this page, you will find everything you are looking for concerning liver cirrhosis.
What is liver cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis is a late complication of liver diseases that result in scarring.
What are the symptoms of liver cirrhosis?
There are some symptoms that indicate a patient has liver cirrhosis:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of sexual drive
- Severe illness and weakness
- Muscle wasting
- Red spots on the palms and small spider-like blood vessels on the skin
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Swelling in the legs and abdominal bloating due to fluid accumulation
- Severe itching, dark urine, or pale stool color due to bile duct blockage or stones
What are the causes of liver cirrhosis?
Some of the causes that may lead to liver cirrhosis include:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Hepatitis viral infection
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver hepatitis, where the liver becomes inflamed due to excessive fat accumulation
- Certain parasitic liver diseases, such as schistosomiasis, if not treated
What are the diagnostic methods?
The doctor takes the patient's medical history and conducts a clinical examination, and may require additional procedures if necessary, such as:
- Laboratory tests, such as blood samples
- Ultrasound imaging
- CT scanning
- MRI imaging
- Liver biopsy for examination
What are the treatments for liver cirrhosis?
Liver transplantation is the only current solution for complete treatment, but some medical guidelines can be followed to avoid complications of liver cirrhosis.
What are the preventive measures for liver cirrhosis?
There are some methods that help in preventing liver cirrhosis, such as:
- Abstaining from alcohol
- Protecting the liver from hepatitis by following healthy preventive methods and vaccination against hepatitis
- Striving to achieve an ideal weight to reduce the risks of fatty liver
What are the complications of liver cirrhosis?
These complications are very advanced and can be prevented under medical supervision:
- Blood with vomiting due to esophageal varices is a very advanced complication of liver cirrhosis
- Delirium due to ammonia accumulation in the blood, reaching the brain
- Liver cancer
When should you see a doctor?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor for necessary care:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and dark urine color
- Easy bruising, bleeding, and swelling in the legs
- Loss of sexual drive
- Severe illness and weakness
- Nausea and the presence of blood with vomiting
- Feeling tired
- Loss of appetite, weight, and muscle
- Red spots on the palms, small spider-like blood vessels on the skin, and itching on the skin
Frequently Asked Questions:
I have hepatitis B. Does this mean I will get liver cirrhosis?
No, hepatitis B is a condition that is managed under medical supervision.
I have hepatitis C. Does this mean I will get liver cirrhosis?
No, hepatitis C is a condition that is managed under medical supervision.
I have a fatty liver. Does this mean I will get liver cirrhosis?
No, fatty liver is a condition that is treated by weight loss and following certain dietary advice to reduce fats.
I have noticed yellowing in my eyes and skin. Does this mean I have liver cirrhosis?
No, there are several reasons for the yellowing of the eyes or skin, most of which are benign and treatable, like bile duct stones.
