Liver Cirrhosis

What is Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is the scarring of liver and happens during the late stage of chronic liver disease. The liver is responsible for metabolism control, protein synthesis, vitamin and engine storage, as well as the removal of toxins from the body. If the liver malfunctions, it could lead to severe complications and even death. Scarring of your liver tissue blocks blood and oxygen from flowing through your liver tissues. This reduces your liver's ability to filter toxins, process nutrients and produce bile and essential proteins. 

Cirrhosis happens when healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissues. When the liver is injured, it tries to repair itself and if this continuously happens, an increasing number of healthy liver cells will be replaced by scar tissue. While liver cirrhosis cannot be reversed, treatment may slow or stop it from getting worse.

What are the symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis worsens as scar tissue builds up in your liver. In the beginning you may not notice any symptoms. However, as liver function declines, symptoms develop and become recognisable. Early symptoms of liver cirrhosis may include:

• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Fatigue or weakness
• Upper abdominal pain
• Redness on the palms of your hands

Some symptoms you may notice later include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Dark-coloured urine
• Itchy skin
• Small, yellow bumps of fat deposits on the skin or eyelids
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Easily bruised 

What causes Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is a gradual process that is triggered by chronic inflammation in your liver. Any chronic disease that causes inflammation in the liver can lead to cirrhosis. Some causes include:

• Alcohol-induced hepatitis: Liver damage from long-term, heavy alcohol consumption. Alcohol is the most well-known cause of liver cirrhosis.
• Hepatitis C/B infections: Hepatitis C and B are viral infection that may become chronic. Hepatitis C is curable with antivirals while hepatitis B is not curable but can be treated.
• Autoimmune diseases: Certain autoimmune diseases can cause chronic liver inflammation.
• Genetic disorders: Certain inherited conditions may cause toxic substances to build up in your liver and damage it.

What are the risk factors of Liver Cirrhosis?

• Age: You are at a higher risk of developing liver cirrhosis if you are over 50.
• Alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption damages the liver and causes liver cirrhosis over time.
• Chronic hepatitis: Chronic hepatitis causes continuous inflammation and damage to the liver cells, increasing your risk of liver cirrhosis.

How do you prevent Liver Cirrhosis?

You may prevent liver damage from progressing to cirrhosis by getting it treated early. Routine health checkups will help flag up liver disease early as many people do not have symptoms in the early stages. This gives you the chance to make important changes or begin treatment.

How is Liver Cirrhosis diagnosed?

Biopsy
A liver biopsy is done to check the liver for signs of cirrhosis and help find the cause.

Blood Test
A blood test can show signs of liver damage and liver failsure. It may also indicate specific diseases or known side effects such as reduced blood clotting.

Imaging Tests
Abdominal imaging tests are done with MRI or CT scan to check for inflammation or abdominal abscesses. Chest imaging tests are done to rule out pneumonia, which cause similar symptoms.