Liver cirrhosis : Causes, Risk factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, treatment, Prevention and complications

• Written : Aminu Salisu M.D
• Contributed : Hafsat Isah gaya
• Medically Reviewed : Idris sani Ph.d
• Editor : Victoria Solomon (B.A English language)
• Published : Rabiu Rabiu (Dr. Cracker)

• What is cirrhosis of the liver?

Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic liver disease that causes scar tissue to form in the liver. This scar tissue can prevent the liver from functioning properly, which can lead to a variety of health problems.

The liver is a vital organ that plays many important roles in the body, including:

• Filtering blood and removing toxins
• Digesting food and absorbing nutrients
• Producing bile, which helps to break down fat
• Regulating blood clotting
• Storing energy

When the liver is damaged, it can no longer perform these functions as well as it should. This can lead to a number of complications, including:

• Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
• Bleeding in the esophagus or stomach (variceal bleeding)
• Infection
• Hepatic encephalopathy (a condition in which toxins build up in the blood and affect the brain)
• Liver failure

•Are there stages of cirrhosis?

Yes, there are four stages of cirrhosis:

1. Stage 1 (compensated cirrhosis): At this stage, there is some liver damage, but the liver is still able to function normally.
2. Stage 2 (decompensated cirrhosis): At this stage, the liver damage is more severe and the liver is not able to function as well as it should. This can lead to some of the complications of cirrhosis, such as ascites and variceal bleeding.
3. Stage 3 (advanced cirrhosis): At this stage, the liver damage is severe and the liver is not able to function properly. This can lead to all of the complications of cirrhosis, including hepatic encephalopathy and liver failure.
4. Stage 4 (end-stage liver disease): At this stage, the liver is no longer able to function and the only chance for survival is a liver transplant.

• How does cirrhosis affect my liver and body?

Cirrhosis can affect the liver and body in a number of ways. The liver is responsible for filtering blood and removing toxins. When the liver is damaged, these toxins can build up in the blood and cause a variety of problems, including:

• Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
• Bleeding in the esophagus or stomach (variceal bleeding)
• Infection
• Hepatic encephalopathy (a condition in which toxins build up in the blood and affect the brain)
• Liver failure

Cirrhosis can also affect the body in other ways, such as:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Itching
• Spider angiomas (small, red, spider-like veins on the skin)
• Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen)
• Gynecomastia (enlargement of the breasts in men)
• Testicular atrophy (shrinking of the testicles in men)

• How common is cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a relatively common liver disease, affecting about 2 million people in the United States. It is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States.

• What are the signs and symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver?

The signs and symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages of cirrhosis, there may be no symptoms at all. However, as the disease progresses, the symptoms can become more severe.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Itching
• Spider angiomas (small, red, spider-like veins on the skin)
• Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen)
• Gynecomastia (enlargement of the breasts in men)
• Testicular atrophy (shrinking of the testicles in men)
• Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
• Bleeding in the esophagus or stomach (variceal bleeding)

• What are the first signs of cirrhosis of the liver?

The first signs of cirrhosis of the liver can be subtle and easily overlooked. Some of the most common early signs and symptoms of cirrhosis include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Itching
• Spider angiomas (small, red, spider-like veins on the skin)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of cirrhosis can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve your quality of life.

• What are symptoms of advancing cirrhosis?

As cirrhosis progresses, the symptoms can become more severe and include:

1. Ascites: This is a condition in which fluid builds up in the abdomen. It can cause bloating, discomfort, and difficulty breathing.
2. Encephalopathy: This is a condition in which toxins build up in the blood and affect the brain. It can cause confusion, drowsiness, and seizures.
3. Variceal bleeding: This is a condition in which the blood vessels in the esophagus or stomach rupture and bleed. It can be a life-threatening condition.
4. Hepatic failure: This is a condition in which the liver is no longer able to function properly. It can lead to a variety of complications, including coma and death.

• What causes cirrhosis of the liver?

The most common cause of cirrhosis of the liver is alcohol abuse. Alcohol can damage the liver cells and lead to the formation of scar tissue.

Other causes of cirrhosis of the liver include:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Primary biliary cholangitis
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Hemochromatosis
• Wilson's disease

• What are some risk factors for this condition?

Some of the risk factors for cirrhosis of the liver include:

1. Alcohol abuse
2. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
3. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
4. Obesity
5. Diabetes
6. High blood pressure
7. High cholesterol
8. Family history of liver disease

• What are the complications of cirrhosis?

The complications of cirrhosis of the liver can be serious and even life-threatening. Some of the most common complications include:

• Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen)
• Encephalopathy (toxin buildup in the blood that affects the brain)
• Variceal bleeding (bleeding from blood vessels in the esophagus or stomach)
• Hepatic failure (severe liver damage that prevents the liver from functioning properly)
• Liver cancer

• How is cirrhosis of the liver diagnosed?

Cirrhosis of the liver can be diagnosed through a variety of tests, including:

• Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to check for liver damage and other signs of cirrhosis.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI, can be used to look at the liver and see if there is any damage.
• Liver biopsy: A liver biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of liver tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. This is the most definitive way to diagnose cirrhosis.

• Can cirrhosis of the liver be reversed or cured?

There is no cure for cirrhosis of the liver. However, there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve your quality of life.

Treatment for cirrhosis of the liver will depend on the underlying cause of the disease. For example, if you have cirrhosis caused by alcohol abuse, you will need to stop drinking alcohol. If you have cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, you may be able to take antiviral medications to clear the virus from your body.

• Can cirrhosis be prevented? 

There are some things you can do to help prevent cirrhosis, such as:

• Limiting your alcohol intake
• Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Getting regular checkups from your doctor

• Can your liver recover from cirrhosis?

Your liver cannot completely recover from cirrhosis. However, it is possible for the liver to heal some of the damage that has been done. This can be done by treating the underlying cause of the cirrhosis and making lifestyle changes, such as stopping drinking alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight.

• What is life expectancy with cirrhosis of the liver?

The life expectancy with cirrhosis of the liver depends on the severity of the disease and the underlying cause. People with early-stage cirrhosis may have a normal life expectancy. However, people with advanced cirrhosis may have a life expectancy of only a few years.

• Conclusion

Cirrhosis of the liver is a serious liver disease that can lead to a variety of complications, including liver failure and death. There is no cure for cirrhosis, but there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve your quality of life.

• References

• American Liver Foundation: https://liverfoundation.org/
• Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351492/
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4386252/
• World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/1179/