Liver cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. The liver carries out several necessary functions, including detoxifying harmful substances in your body, cleaning your blood, and making vital nutrients. Cirrhosis can lead to a number of complications.
Here are the details of liver cirrhosis:
- Causes:
- Chronic Alcoholism: Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption is a leading cause of cirrhosis. Alcohol directly damages liver cells and leads to fibrosis.
- Viral Hepatitis: Chronic infections with hepatitis B, C, and D can cause cirrhosis.
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This condition is closely related to obesity and can progress to cirrhosis.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: The immune system mistakenly attacks the liver.
- Iron buildup in the body (hemochromatosis)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Destruction of the bile ducts (primary biliary cirrhosis)
- Hardening and scarring of the bile ducts (primary sclerosing cholangitis)
- Liver disease caused by your body’s immune system (autoimmune hepatitis)
- Destruction of the bile ducts (biliary atresia)
- Genetic digestive disorder (Alagille syndrome)
- Liver disease caused by your body’s destruction of bile ducts (biliary cirrhosis)
- Hardening and scarring of the bile ducts (primary sclerosing cholangitis)
- Liver disease caused by your body’s immune system (autoimmune hepatitis)
- Symptoms:
- Many people with cirrhosis have no symptoms in the early stages.
- As cirrhosis progresses, symptoms and complications can include fatigue, weakness, easy bruising, swelling in your legs and abdomen, and weight loss.
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) and confusion (hepatic encephalopathy) are signs of advanced cirrhosis.
- Complications:
- Liver cancer: Cirrhosis increases the risk of liver cancer.
- High blood pressure in the liver (portal hypertension): Cirrhosis slows the normal flow of blood through the liver, thus increasing pressure in the vein that brings blood from the intestines and spleen to the liver.
- Enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly): Portal hypertension can cause the spleen to enlarge and trap platelets and white blood cells, leading to low platelet count and an increased risk of infection.
- Bleeding: Portal hypertension can cause blood to back up in the portal vein and other blood vessels, leading to bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
- Bacterial peritonitis: A bacterial infection that affects the lining of the abdomen.
- Hepatic encephalopathy: A loss of brain function that occurs when the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood.
- Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites): Cirrhosis can lead to accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
- Kidney problems: Cirrhosis can lead to kidney failure.
- Diagnosis:
- Diagnosis often involves blood tests, imaging studies (such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI), and a liver biopsy to confirm the presence and extent of cirrhosis.
- Treatment:
- The treatment of cirrhosis varies depending on the underlying cause and the stage of the disease.
- The primary focus is on addressing the cause and managing complications. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol and maintaining a healthy diet, are crucial.
- Medications may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms or complications, and in some cases, liver transplantation may be necessary for end-stage cirrhosis.
Liver cirrhosis is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications. Early detection and appropriate medical care are essential to manage the condition and improve the quality of life for individuals with cirrhosis. It’s crucial for individuals at risk, such as heavy drinkers and those with viral hepatitis, to seek regular medical check-ups and take steps to prevent or manage cirrhosis.