Liver Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis is a condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue over time. As scarring becomes more extensive, the liver has a harder time performing important functions such as filtering toxins, processing nutrients and medications, helping control infections, and producing proteins that support blood clotting.
Key Takeaways
- Cirrhosis is long-term scarring of the liver that can interfere with normal liver function.
- Common causes include chronic alcohol-related liver disease, hepatitis, and fatty liver disease associated with obesity.
- Some people have no symptoms early on, while others develop fatigue, jaundice, itching, swelling, or fluid buildup in the abdomen.
- Treatment focuses on managing the cause, slowing further liver damage, and treating complications.
Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis
Many people with cirrhosis may not notice symptoms in the early stages. As liver damage progresses, symptoms may include:
- Weakness or fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating or swelling from fluid buildup in the abdomen
- Itching
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Spiderlike blood vessels on the skin
Common Causes of Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis develops after long-term liver injury. Common causes may include:
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C
- Fatty liver disease, including obesity-related liver disease
- Inherited or autoimmune liver disorders in some patients
If hepatitis is a concern, learn more about hepatitis.
How Liver Cirrhosis Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis may include a review of symptoms, medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies. In some cases, additional testing such as a liver biopsy may be recommended to better assess liver damage.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause of cirrhosis and whether complications are present. The goals of treatment are to slow the progression of liver damage and prevent or manage complications. Treatment may include:
- Treating the underlying cause of liver disease
- Avoiding alcohol and other liver irritants when appropriate
- Monitoring liver function and nutritional status
- Managing fluid retention, bleeding risk, or infections
- Referral for advanced liver care when needed
Possible Complications
Cirrhosis can lead to serious complications, especially in advanced disease. These may include portal hypertension, fluid buildup in the abdomen, infections, easy bruising or bleeding, malnutrition, liver cancer, and liver failure.
When to Seek Medical Care
You should seek medical evaluation if you have jaundice, abdominal swelling, ongoing fatigue, unexplained weight loss, worsening nausea, or other persistent symptoms that may suggest liver disease. Prompt evaluation is also important if you have known hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or a history of heavy alcohol use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is liver cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis is long-term scarring of the liver that interferes with the liver’s ability to function normally.
What causes liver cirrhosis?
Common causes include alcohol-related liver disease, chronic hepatitis B or C, and fatty liver disease related to obesity. Some people have more than one cause of liver damage.
Can cirrhosis have no symptoms at first?
Yes. Many people have no symptoms in the early stages of cirrhosis. Symptoms may not appear until liver damage becomes more advanced.
How is cirrhosis diagnosed?
Doctors may diagnose cirrhosis using medical history, physical exam, blood tests, imaging, and sometimes liver biopsy.
Can cirrhosis be treated?
Treatment focuses on slowing further liver damage, treating the underlying cause, and preventing or managing complications.
Related Resources:
Hepatitis | Liver Biopsy | Anemia | GI Bleeding
