What is Liver Cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis is a progressive and irreversible condition in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, disrupting the liver’s normal structure and function. It is typically caused by long-term liver damage from various factors, including chronic viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis B or C), long-term alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), autoimmune liver diseases, genetic disorders, and certain medications or toxins.
Symptoms
As liver cirrhosis progresses, it can lead to various complications and symptoms. These can include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itching, abdominal pain or swelling, easy bruising or bleeding, swelling of the legs and ankles, changes in mental function (hepatic encephalopathy), and increased sensitivity to medications or toxins.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of liver cirrhosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests (including liver function tests and specific markers of liver damage), imaging tests (such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI), and sometimes a liver biopsy to confirm the presence and extent of liver scarring.
Treatments
While liver cirrhosis cannot be reversed, treatment aims to slow its progression and manage its complications. This can involve lifestyle changes, such as abstaining from alcohol and adopting a healthy diet, managing underlying liver diseases (such as treating viral hepatitis or controlling NAFLD), medications to manage specific symptoms or complications, and in some cases, liver transplantation.
Complications of liver cirrhosis, such as portal hypertension (increased pressure in the portal vein), ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity), hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, or liver cancer, may require additional interventions and specialized management.
Prevention
Prevention of liver cirrhosis involves minimizing risk factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, avoiding illicit drug use, practicing safe sex or getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, managing chronic liver diseases effectively, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Regular monitoring, including follow-up appointments, liver function tests, and screenings for liver cancer, is essential for individuals with liver cirrhosis to detect and manage any changes or complications.
If you suspect liver cirrhosis or have related symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate management.