Liver Cirrhosis

What Is Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is the condition in which the scar tissue develops in the liver thereby replacing the healthy tissues. The scar tissue is formed during the process of liver repairing.  As the condition progresses, more scar tissue is formed in the liver. This results in reduced capacity of the liver to perform the physiological function such as detoxification, bile synthesis, hormonal production, and other important functions. This scar tissue does not allow the blood to flow through healthy liver cells. This condition is progressive and in absence of treatment may lead to various complications.

What Are The Symptoms Of Liver Cirrhosis?

Following are some of the symptoms experienced by the patients suffering from liver cirrhosis:

• Jaundice (Yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Progressive abdominal distention (Ascites)
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Itchy skin
• Hepatic encephalopathy- Altered sensorium
• Bllod in vomitin or stool, black stool (G I Bleed)
• Testicular atrophy and loss of libido in males
• Irregular or loss of menstrual periods
• Weight loss
• Swelling’
• Easy bruising

What Are The Causes Of Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is a progressive condition and various causes responsible for developing liver cirrhosis includes:

• Chronic viral hepatitis
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Accumulation of copper in the liver
• Biliary atresia
• Cystic fibrosis
• Hemochromatosis
• Prolonged alcohol consumption in large amounts
• Infection such as syphilis
• Side effects of certain medications such as methotrexate
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Liver Cancer

How Liver Cirrhosis Can Be Prevented?

Liver cirrhosis can be prevented through the following ways:

Healthy diet: By taking a healthy diet, the person may reduce the amount of harmful fatty acids in food which reduces the burden from the liver.

Weight reduction: Obesity is a risk factor for cirrhosis. Reducing weight may reduce this risk.

Avoiding unprotected sex: Unprotected sex may increase the risk of hepatitis. Hepatitis is one of the common causes of liver cirrhosis.

Avoid alcohol consumption: If you have any liver disease, avoid consumption of alcohol to prevent its progression.

How Liver Cirrhosis Is Diagnosed?

Liver cirrhosis is diagnosed through:

• Physical examination including analyzing liver and spleen for enlargement, yellowing of skin and eyes and spider-web blood vessels.
• Imaging techniques such as CT scan, MRI or ultrasound that help to evaluate enlarged liver.
• Blood tests for liver enzymes and the presence of certain antibodies.

What Are The Treatment Options Available For Liver Cirrhosis?

Following are the available treatment for Liver cirrhosis:

Treating infections: Infections such as hepatitis and syphilis are treated through proper medications.

Weight management: If the blood sugar level is controlled and weight is reduced, liver cirrhosis caused due to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can be managed.

Treating alcohol dependence: Alcoholic dependency is treated by enrolling the patient in a treatment program for alcohol addiction.

Liver Transplant surgery: In decompensated chronic liver disease, definitive treatment option is liver transplant surgery.