Cirrhosis is a disease that may result from several liver diseases or conditions. The diseases and conditions (such as hepatitis or chronic alcoholism) that lead to cirrhosis typically injure and kill liver cells, and the inflammation and repair that is associated with the dying liver cells causes scar tissue to form. The scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and eventually prevents the liver from functioning properly.
Cirrhosis is the seventh leading cause of death by disease, and it is estimated that 27,000 Americans die of cirrhosis each year.
The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body, and it plays a major role in metabolism and digestion. It also has a number of other functions in the body, including glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, plasma protein synthesis and detoxification. It’s no wonder that liver disease can cause widespread disruption of body function.
In the beginning stages of cirrhosis, there may not be any symptoms. As the disease worsens, symptoms may include:
Loss of appetite
Lack of energy (fatigue) which may be debilitating
Weight loss or sudden weight gain
Easy bruising from decreased production of blood clotting factors by the diseased liver
Yellowing of skin or the whites of eyes (jaundice)
Itchy skin due to bile products deposited in the skin
Fluid retention (edema) and swelling in the ankles, legs and abdomen
A brownish or orange tint to the urine
Gallstones if cirrhosis prevents bile from reaching the gallbladder, gallstones may develop
Portal hypertension, where the normal flow of blood from the intestines and spleen to the liver is slowed
Blood in the stool that may indicate bleeding in the digestive system
Confusion, delirium, personality changes, or hallucinations from buildup of drugs or toxins in the blood, which then affect the brain
Fever
Cirrhosis is generally irreversible once it occurs. Treatment of cirrhosis includes 1) preventing further damage to the liver, 2) treating the complications, 3) preventing liver cancer or detecting it early, and 4) liver transplantation.
Immediate things you can do at home if you suspect you have cirrhosis are as follows:
Stop drinking alcohol. If you stop all alcohol intake, you may slow the disease.
Avoid medications that may be harmful to your liver, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), or your kidneys, such as ibuprofen (Advil, etc).
Cut down on salt if you are experiencing fluid retention.
Others Related Posts:
- Cirrhosis: Symptoms and treatment – Part 1 ... may also occur from a bile duct obstruction....
- Liver Cirrhosis – Symptoms and Causes Liver Cirrhosis ... , a disease in which the ducts become...
- Cirrhosis – a Major Liver Disease ... liver gets damage.Bilirubin secretion- Bilirubin secretion is an...
- Health Benefits of Drinking Water ... damage. Bilirubin secretion- Bilirubin secretion is an important...
- Early symptoms of liver failure – Part 1 ... of weakness and lethargy, light colored stools, diarrhea,...
