The liver is one of the largest internal organs in our body and is responsible for performing many vital functions, including purifying the blood, detoxification and making essential nutrients. Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring of the liver which entails loss of liver cells and an irreversible complication. It is caused by many liver diseases such as Hepatitis B & C, and also very common due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Cirrhosis occurs when the liver, after each incidence of damage to itself, repairs itself and forming a scar tissue in the process. When this happens repeatedly, the multiple scar tissues hinder its functioning, eventually resulting in a severely damaged, dysfunctional liver. The severity of this condition can be gauged by the fact that there is no definite and permanent cure for cirrhosis; however, early diagnosis of this disease does help considerably in treating it.
Fortis Hospitals is one of the top liver cirrhosis diagnosis hospitals in India, with state-of-the-art infrastructure and qualified and experienced specialists, and is renowned for being adept at tackling such debilitating conditions successfully.
Causes of Liver Cirrhosis
There are many diseases and conditions that can lead to cirrhosis such as long-term inflammation, infections, heart disease and many more. Some common causes are:
- Chronic alcoholism
- Viral Hepatitis (B & C)
- Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis, i.e. liver disease caused due to the body's immune system
- Primary biliary cirrhosis (destruction of the bile ducts)
- Infections such as syphilis and schistosomiasis
- Inherited diseases such as Wilson's disease, cystic fibrosis, galactosemia, hemochromatosis etc. Which interfere with the metabolic activities of the liver.
- Medications such as acetaminophen, methotrexate, poisons and environmental toxins.
What are the symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis?
The symptoms appear as the liver is unable to detoxify the blood, break down toxic substances and help in absorption of nutrients. However, infected people may not always show the signs of liver disease. Some symptoms may not readily indicate that a damaged liver is the cause. The most common signs and symptoms of cirrhosis are:
- Yellow discoloration (Jaundice)
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- Easy bruising and bleeding due to reduced production of clotting proteins by the liver
- Itchy skin
- Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (Ascitis)
- Abdominal bloating
- Nausea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Swollen ankles and legs
- Redness in the palms of the hands
- Testicular atrophy and breast enlargement in men
- Abnormal menstrual periods in women
- Difficulty in breathing
- Sensitivity to medications
- Confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech
- Loss of muscle mass
- Hemorrhoids (varicose veins in the rectum)
Complications of Cirrhosis
The various complications of cirrhosis are:
- Increased risk of liver cancer and kidney failure
- Portal hypertension: A high blood pressure in the veins that supply blood to the liver as the normal flow of blood is reduced
- Splenomegaly: Portal hypertension along with decreased white blood cells and platelet count can result in enlargement of the spleen
- Hepatic encephalopathy: Confusion due to the effects of blood toxins in the brain
- Malnutrition due to the decreased capability of the liver to absorb vital nutrients
- Difficulty in fighting infections
- Greater risk of fractures due to decreased bone strength
Treatment for Cirrhosis
Fortis Hospital is the leading liver care hospital in Bangalore which is reputed for its effective treatment of complex liver diseases, including cirrhosis. If detected in its early stages, treatment measures can minimize the damage to the liver by addressing the underlying cause. Some treatment options include:
- Medications: Medicines can help slow down the progression of some cases of cirrhosis. They can also help treat the viruses which cause hepatitis B or C and limit further damage to the liver
- Stopping alcohol intake: People with cirrhosis caused due to excess alcohol intake should stop drinking as any amount of alcohol is harmful to the liver
- Reduced sodium intake in order to relieve problems caused due to fluid retention
- Liver Transplantation: This is an option of the last resort when the liver is damaged beyond repair
Can liver cirrhosis be prevented?
There are some preventive measures which people can adapt to prevent the onset of this condition.
- Avoiding behaviors like chronic alcoholism and unprotected sexual intercourse
- Being aware of the risk factors for hepatitis B and C
- Developing healthy eating habits and exercising regularly
- Avoiding tobacco
Comments
Post a Comment