Liver Cirrhosis

What is Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is a slow-developing disease in which normal tissues of the liver are replaced by abnormal/scar tissues. The disease prevents the normal flow of blood through the liver and stops the liver from functioning properly, leading to a long-term damage. Cirrhosis even affects the abdominal blood vessels, and the huge portal vein, which transports blood from the intestines and spleen through the liver.

Cirrhosis causes ailments such as jaundice, excessive itching, and fatigue. Mild cirrhosis can be easily treated, but advanced stages may cause widespread liver damage.

Symptoms

Liver cirrhosis develops very slowly, and its symptoms can be identified at an early stage. Early stage liver cirrhosis is identified by symptoms such as:

Fatigue.
Fever.
Jaundice.
Weight loss.
Fluid retention.
Black stools and bloody vomit.

Causes

There are a number of causes that can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. These causes include:

Excessive alcohol intake.
Autoimmune liver disease such as hepatitis.
Rare genetic conditions or other problems that block the bile duct.

Risks

The main risk factors for this disease include:

Kidney failure.
Bleeding by portal hypertension.
Diabetes.
Breast enlargement in men.
Reduction of oxygen in the body.

Prevention

To prevent the liver from cirrhosis, one should take care of the following:

Stop alcohol consumption.
Opt for the Hepatitis B vaccination.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Eat low-fat food.
Exercise regularly.

How is it diagnosed?

At Medanta, the disease is diagnosed by means of:
...

A Physical examination of the liver; the doctor examines the shape and size of the liver.
Blood tests
Biopsy and surgery
Endoscopy

How is it treated?

There is no cure for cirrhosis. However, there are treatment plans available to minimize its growth. If it was caused by alcohol, the patient is asked to abstain from it. The treatments for this disease at Medanta include:

Medication
Anti-viral medication targets the abnormal cells present in the liver and strengthens the immune system.
Liver transplant
The diseased liver is replaced by a healthy donor liver.

When do I contact the doctor?

If you notice symptoms such as fatigue, yellowing of your eyes, dark urine, pain in the abdomen, and loss of appetite, you should contact a doctor at the earliest. Regular health checkups are vital, as cirrhosis takes years to damage your liver, and prevention is ideal.

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