Early Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a serious liver disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. This can lead to a number of health problems, including liver failure, portal hypertension, and ascites.
What are the early symptoms of liver cirrhosis?
The early symptoms of liver cirrhosis can be subtle and easy to miss. This is why it is important to be aware of the risk factors for cirrhosis and to get regular checkups if you are at risk.
Some of the early symptoms of liver cirrhosis include:
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Abdominal pain
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Dark urine
Light-colored stools
Easy bruising or bleeding
Spider angiomas (small, red, star-shaped blood vessels on the skin)
Gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men)
Testicular atrophy (shrinkage of the testicles)
What causes liver cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis can be caused by a number of factors, including:
Alcohol abuse
Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Autoimmune hepatitis
Primary biliary cholangitis
Sclerosing cholangitis
Hemochromatosis
Wilson's disease
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
How is liver cirrhosis diagnosed?
Liver cirrhosis is diagnosed with a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests.
During a physical exam, your doctor will:
Check for signs of liver cirrhosis, such as jaundice, spider angiomas, and gynecomastia.
Feel your abdomen for any signs of ascites or hepatomegaly (enlarged liver).
Blood tests can show:
Elevated liver enzymes
Decreased albumin levels
Increased bilirubin levels
Prolonged prothrombin time
Imaging tests can show:
Scarring and fibrosis of the liver
Enlarged spleen
Ascites
How is liver cirrhosis treated?
There is no cure for liver cirrhosis, but treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and prevent complications.
Treatment for liver cirrhosis may include:
Medications to reduce inflammation and fibrosis of the liver
Medications to prevent and treat complications, such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy
Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly
What is the prognosis for liver cirrhosis?
The prognosis for liver cirrhosis depends on the severity of the disease and the underlying cause. With early diagnosis and treatment, many people with cirrhosis can live long and healthy lives. However, cirrhosis can be fatal if it is not treated.
How can I prevent liver cirrhosis?
There is no sure way to prevent liver cirrhosis, but you can reduce your risk by:
Limiting alcohol intake
Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and hepatitis C
Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Getting regular checkups if you are at risk for liver cirrhosis
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