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Cirrohsis of Liver
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Cirrhosis is the result of chronic liver disease that causes
scarring of the liver and liver dysfunction. This often has many
complications, including accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
(ascites), bleeding disorders (coagulopathy), increased pressure in the
blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension), and confusion or a
change in the level of consciousness (hepatic encephalopathy).
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Cirrhosis is caused by chronic liver
disease, infection and long-term alcohol abuse (see Alcoholic
liver disease). Other causes of cirrhosis include hepatitis B,
medications, autoimmune inflammation of the liver, disorders of the
drainage system of the liver (the biliary system).
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- Ascites
- Swelling of the legs
- Vomiting blood
- Confusion
- Jaundice
- Small, red spider-like blood vessels on the skin
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Impotence and loss of interest in sex
- Bleeding hemorrhoids
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Decreased urine output
- Overall swelling
- Pale or clay colored stools
- Nosebleed or bleeding gums
- Gynecomastia(breast development in males)
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal indigestion
- Fevers
Symptoms may develop gradually, or there may be no symptoms.
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A physical examination may reveal an enlarged liver or spleen,
distended abdomen, yellow eyes or skin (jaundice), red spider-like
blood vessels on the skin, excess breast tissue, small testicles in
men, reddened palms, contracted fingers, or dilated abdominal wall
veins.
Tests can reveal liver problems including:
- Anemia (detected on a )
- Coagulation abnormalities
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Elevated bilirubin
- Serum albumin low
- Enlarged liver (seen with an abdominal x-ray)
A liver biopsy confirms cirrhosis.
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Don't drink heavily. If you find that
your drinking is getting out of hand, seek professional help. Avoiding
intravenous drug use (or only using clean needles and never sharing
other equipment) will reduce the risk of hepatitis B and C. Some
research indicates that hepatitis C may be spread via shared use of
straws or items used to snort cocaine or other drugs. Avoid snorting
drugs or sharing any related paraphernalia.
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Digestive system organs |
Liver cirrhosis, CT scan |
Clubbing |
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