Cirrhosis: What is it? Knowing Its Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

what is Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis: What is it? Knowing Its Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

what is Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis: What is it?

This condition called cirrhosis has serious medical conditions which affect the vital organ, liver. 

Liver does some crucial activities like removal of toxins in blood, making bile that enhances digestion, and storage of glycogen that helps in providing energy. 

It might result due to the liver building scar tissues for a long or repeated period due to injuries. 

This blog will provide a basic explanation of cirrhosis, including its causes, symptoms, and prevention measures.

Cirrhosis: What is it?

In cirrhosis, scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This scarring is due to long-term liver injury. The scar tissue disrupts the functioning of the liver. As more scar tissue forms over time, the liver’s ability to function decreases. 

Liver failure, a potentially fatal condition, can occur from cirrhosis if treatment is not received. Although the liver has an excellent capacity for self-healing, repeated injury may overwhelm this capacity. 

Years of damage from various causes which we shall discuss below often culminate in cirrhosis.



Cirrhosis causes

Many causes that damage the liver over time can lead to cirrhosis. These are the most common causes:

Chronic Alcohol Use

Excessive alcohol use over a long period of time is one of the main causes of cirrhosis. Long-term excessive alcohol use causes inflammation and scarring, and it kills liver cells. This condition is called alcoholic liver disease.

Hepatitis Infections

Chronic liver inflammation can result from viral illnesses such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C. If the infections are not treated, this inflammation may eventually result in cirrhosis.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

When the liver of individuals who do not consume much or any alcohol becomes fatty, NAFLD is the outcome. It is often associated with high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. If left untreated, NAFLD can lead to cirrhosis.

Genetic Disorders

Two genetic disorders that affect the liver are hemochromatosis (iron overload) and Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation in the liver).

Immune System Disorders

In autoimmune hepatitis, the immune system of the body attacks the liver cells, leading to inflammation and damage.

Contributing Causes

  • Some medicines and toxins.
  • bile duct disorders, which interfere with bile flowing out of the liver.
  • pollution exposure over a long time.

 

Cirrhosis signs and symptoms

Cirrhosis often develops gradually, and symptoms may not appear until the liver has been seriously damaged. The following are common signs and symptoms:

Early Signs:

  • fatigue or feeling tired all the time.
  • loss of appetite.
  • upset stomach or nausea.
  • unexplained weight loss.

Advanced symptoms:

  • Jaundice: An accretion of bilirubin causing discoloration and yellowish appearance of the skin and eyes.
  • Swelling: Ascites in the abdomen or edema in the legs.
  • Itching: This is due to the accumulation of bile products in the skin.
  • Bruising and Bleeding: Injury to the liver may cause only bruising or prolonged bleeding due to impaired blood coagulation as the liver also synthesizes proteins involved in blood coagulation.
  • Confusion or memory problem: It is due to the cause of hepatic encephalopathy, which is a disorder where toxins accumulate in the brain.
  • Pale Stools and Dark Urine: Changes in stool and urine color due to liver dysfunction.

Complications:

Untreated cirrhosis may lead to severe side effects such as portal hypertension, which is higher blood pressure in the veins of the liver.

  • carcinoma of the liver.
  • total failure of the liver.

Preventing Cirrhosis

cirrhosis prevention

Cirrhosis is often prevented. The following are steps you can take to protect your liver:

Cut Down on Alcohol

Consume alcohol in moderation if you must. Use the following guidelines as a guide for men and women:

  • Men should limit their daily intake to two drinks per day.
  • Women should limit their daily intake to one drink per day.
  • Do not consume alcohol at all, if you have cirrhosis of the liver.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity may lead to fatty liver disease, which increases the risk of cirrhosis. Maintain a healthy weight by following a balanced diet and frequent exercise.

Get vaccinated

There are hepatitis A and B vaccines that protect your liver from these infections.

Frequently asked questions:

1.Is cirrhosis reversible?

With treatment and lifestyle changes, mild cirrhosis sometimes improves. Advanced cirrhosis is usually not reversible.

2. Which of the following are the most common symptoms of cirrhosis?

Some common symptoms are dizziness, lethargy, jaundice, and swelling

3. Is alcohol the only cause of cirrhosis?

No, among the many causes are hepatitis, fatty liver diseases, and genetic conditions

4. How can I prevent cirrhosis?

Limit alcohol intake, maintain a healthy weight, get immunized, and avoid dangerous acts.

5. Can someone get cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis disease itself is non-infectious. However, hepatitis is one of the underlying causes of the disease and can actually be contagious.

In conclusion

Although cirrhosis is a serious condition, it is often preventable or well-managed with the right information and preventive measures. 

Keeping your liver healthy requires knowing the causes, identifying the symptoms, and living a healthy lifestyle. See a doctor immediately if you have symptoms of liver issues or think you may be at risk. 

Take care of your liver now because it is vital to your overall health!

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