Cirrhosis is a liver condition that is also called hepatic cirrhosis. This disease means a damaged liver. This disease is found in 1 in every 400 adults in the U.S., according to NIDDK. A sedentary lifestyle is one factor that may cause this liver condition. Liver fibrosis is a condition in which scarred tissues replace healthy liver tissue. Therefore, it damages the organ and interrupts blood flow. These effects decrease the liver’s ability to process toxins, nutrients, hormones, and others.
Cirrhosis
An advanced stage of liver fibrosis or scarring of the liver is called cirrhosis. Chronic alcoholism, diseases, or obesity are some factors that may cause scarring. In addition, another factor that may lead to cirrhosis is viral hepatitis.
Each time something blocks the smooth functioning of the liver, this organ is a bit damaged. However, the liver has healing properties. In addition, fibrosis is not a sudden phenomenon because whenever the liver heals itself, it scars the tissue. Therefore, it is recommended to take care of this health problem. Otherwise, it may lead to an advanced stage, which is fatal.
Symptoms of Cirrhosis
If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may have some liver problems. For example:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Severe itchiness
- Bleeding gums
- Paleness in the skin and eyes
- Sleeping disturbances (insomnia)
- Muscle cramps
- Bloody vomiting
- Nose bleeds
- Distress in the abdomen
- Unexpected weight changes
- Nose bleeds
- Swelling of the legs, feet, and ankles
- Memory loss
You may also notice liver pain but you may ask how it feels. Check below some symptoms of liver pain:
- Pain in the abdomen or the right shoulder
- Kidney pain
- Backache
- Mild and non-specific
Causes of Cirrhosis
There are a wide variety of factors that can provoke this liver condition. Examples include:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Adverse reactions to certain drugs
- Health conditions that affect the body’s ability to manage copper and iron
- Autoimmune disease
- Infections and digestive disorders
- Accumulation of fat in the liver
- Damage to bile duct
- Iron accumulation in the body
- Chronic Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, or viral hepatitis
- Obesity
- Misuse of alcoholic beverages
Four Stages of Cirrhosis
- Steatosis is the first stage of this liver condition. Inflammation and abdominal pain appear in the bile duct. It is recommended to manage the condition in this stage because it will help to prevent advancing to stage two.
- Scarring is the second stage of this disease. Obstruction of the blood flow begins in the liver. However, in the second stage, this condition can still be controlled.
- Cirrhosis is the third stage of this health condition. Permanent fibrosis of the liver occurs when scarred tissues replace completely the healthy tissues. In addition, this organ becomes hard in this stage and significantly slows blood flow.
- Liver Failure is the fourth stage of liver disease. Emergency medical treatment is required.
How to Diagnose Cirrhosis?
The following ways are available to diagnose this liver disease. Examples include:
- Blood tests
- Physical examination
- Other tests such as ultrasound or CT scan.
Treatment
Several ways to treat cirrhosis are used. For example:
- Hepatitis Treatment – is recommended because Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C may lead to cirrhosis.
- Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Treatment – Obesity is another factor that may cause cirrhosis. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help to lose weight.
- Blockage of Bile Duct Treatment – Ursodiol is usually prescribed by healthcare providers to treat bile duct blockage. In some cases, healthcare providers may perform surgery to open the blocked bile duct.
- Biopsy – Generally, doctors diagnose liver diseases with a biopsy. A small sample of the liver is removed and examined. This diagnosis method can show abnormal or cancerous cells in the liver.
- Surgery – Rarely, healthcare providers may perform surgery to detect cirrhosis. Another method to detect cirrhosis is Laparoscopy.
- Alcohol Dependency Treatment – It is recommended to quit drinking alcohol right away if you experience cirrhosis due to alcoholism. In case you find it difficult to stop consuming alcoholic drinks immediately, consult with a doctor. Physicians usually prescribe medicines that contain Metadoxine.
Frequent Asked Questions
Is Cirrhosis a curable liver disease?
Healthcare providers do not have any treatment options available to cure cirrhosis and reverse damage to the liver. In most cases, treating the causes of this condition may slow the liver damage or failure.
How long can you live with liver cirrhosis?
In mild cases, an individual may survive even beyond 12 years. However, in severe cases, the average survival without transplantation is roughly two years. Discuss with your healthcare provider for more details.
What foods help cirrhosis?
You can choose turkey, chicken, and fish. Daily or plant-based options also are available including beans, pulses, or tofu. Consult with a doctor if you want to include these foods in your diet for cirrhosis.
