Chronic liver disease causes lever cirrhosis. The conditions that cause chronic disease are hepatitis B and C infection, auto-immune hepatitis, parasites (schistosomiasis), hemochromatosis, glycogen storage disease, cystic fibrosis, excessive copper accumulation in liver (Wilson’s disease), long term alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, disorders related to the drainage system of the liver (biliary system), metabolic disorders of iron and copper and certain medications.
There may not be any symptoms of liver cirrhosis or they may develop gradually.
Common symptoms of liver cirrhosis are nausea, vomiting, blood in vomit, jaundice, leg swelling, weight loss, weakness, easy bleeding and bruising, small, red color spider like blood vessels on the skin, bleeding haemorrhoids, confusion or impotence.
The less common symptoms are pain in abdomen, reduction in urine output, fever, nosebleed, bleeding gums, breast development in men, indigestion, overall body swelling or pale or clay colored stools.
Liver cirrhosis is diagnosed based on medical history, physical examination and diagnostic tests. The tests are blood test for liver function, abdominal X-ray, CT scan (Computerized tomography) and. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). The best test is liver biopsy.
Treatment is aimed at limiting further liver damage and managing the complications. If the cirrhosis is due to certain medications or alcohol then they are stopped.
Other treatments are for complications like: banding and sclerotherapy during upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy for esophageal bleeding varices; use of diuretics, limiting fluid and salt and fluid removal (paracentesis) are the treatments for ascites (excess abdominal fluid); lactulose medication and antibiotics for encephalopathy; antibiotics for infections and blood products and vitamin K for coagulopathy.
Other treatments are given depending on the complication caused. If everything fails and cirrhosis can not be controlled then liver transplant is the option.
The scars developed due to cirrhosis can not be cured and the liver can not return back to its normal functioning. There are several complications of liver cirrhosis.
Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) and its infection, hepatic encephalopathy, bleeding disorders, bleeding esophageal varices, coma, kidney failure, itching, malnutrition, frequent infections, increase in pressure of blood vessels of liver, sepsis and liver cancer are the complications of liver cirrhosis.
If there is blood in vomit, symptoms of liver cirrhosis or rapidly changing alertness and consciousness then one must rush to the medical health care provider.
Limiting alcohol and preventive measures for hepatitis B and C (not sharing needles, use of only tested blood products, etc.), healthy diet, maintaining healthy weight and limiting use of chemicals like insecticide spray can prevent liver cirrhosis.
