What is Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic condition in which the liver tissue is damaged and scarred. This scarring can lead to liver failure, which is a life-threatening condition. This damage is permanent and lead to end-stage –liver-disease.

What are the causes of liver cirrhosis?

• 1. Long term and excess Alcohol abuse
• 2. Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
• 3. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or Fatty Liver Disease
• 4. Autoimmune liver disease
• 5. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
• 6. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
• 7. Wilson’s disease
• 8. Hemochromatosis
• 9. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

What are the Stages of liver cirrhosis?

Usually the liver damage proceeds through few overlapping stages. Normal liver first undergoes fatty changes and become fatty liver. With sustained insult it advances to steato-hepatitis phase. Till this condition the liver damage is reversible. Then the fibrosis starts and lastly, the scarring of the liver occurs, which is termed as cirrhosis of liver. The last two stages are irreversible.

What are the Symptoms of Cirrhosis?

Initial symptoms are usually vague. Only loss of appetite and weight loss may the presenting symptoms. Other symptoms usually occur in advanced stages.

• 1. Fatigue
• 2. Weight loss
• 3. Loss of appetite
• 4. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• 5. Easy bruising or bleeding
• 6. Swelling of the abdomen)
• 7. Enlarged veins on the abdomen
• 8. Blood vomiting or dark coloured stool
• 9. Confusion & Seizures

How liver cirrhosis is diagnosed?

• 1. Few Blood tests including CBC, LFT can assess the condition of liver
• 2. Imaging tests, such as Simple Ultrasound of abdomen and Fibroscan can diagnose the cirrhosis or stage the liver damage
• 3. CT scan and MRI are needed for treatment
• 4. Liver biopsy: A piece of liver tissue is removed and examined under a microscope
• 5. Upper GI endoscopy is needed in advanced liver diseases

All Tests including Fibroscan is available at DrSatya’s Liver and Gastro Care, Bhubaneswar.

How is the Liver Cirrhosis Treated?

The treatment for liver cirrhosis depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

• 1. Medications to treat the underlying cause of liver cirrhosis
• 2. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting alcohol and eating a healthy diet
• 3. Few Medicines are available to contain the stage of the disease
• 4. Liver transplantation is the ultimate solution to liver cirrhosis

There is no cure for liver cirrhosis, but early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life.

How To Keep Liver Protected?

Here are some of the things you can do to reduce your risk of liver cirrhosis:

• 1. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B
• 2. Avoid alcohol abuse
• 3. Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight
• 4. Take care of Diabetes, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypertension
• 5. If you have a family history of liver disease, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.

If you are concerned that you may have liver cirrhosis, it is important to see a doctor for evaluation. We offer a wide range of treatment options, including medications, lifestyle changes, and liver transplantation. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care.