A disorder characterized by replacement of the liver parenchyma with fibrous tissue and regenerative nodules. It is usually caused by alcoholism, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Complications include the development of ascites, esophageal varices, bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy
Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis
The following features are indicative of Liver Cirrhosis:
fatigue
poor appetite
weight loss
belly pain
appearance of red spider-like blood vessels on the skin
edema
jaundice
impotence
breast swelling
abnormal bleeding
confusion
pale colored stools
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Common Causes of Liver Cirrhosis
The following are the most common causes of Liver Cirrhosis:
hepatitis B infection
hepatitis C infection
alcohol abuse
liver diseases passed down in families
bile duct disorders
Risk Factors for Liver Cirrhosis
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Liver Cirrhosis:
sharing of contaminated needles
unprotected sex
obesity
Prevention of Liver Cirrhosis
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Liver Cirrhosis. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
avoid alcohol consumption
consuming healthy and balanced diet
maintaining a healthy weight
Occurrence of Liver Cirrhosis
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Liver Cirrhosis cases seen each year worldwide:
Common between 1 - 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Liver Cirrhosis can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Liver Cirrhosis can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Liver Cirrhosis
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Liver Cirrhosis:
Magnetic Resonance Elastography: Detect hardening or stiffening of the liver
Ultrasound Imaging: To create images of the liver
Liver Biopsy: Identify the severity, extent and cause of liver damage
Liver Function Test: Check for excess bilirubin
Kidney Function Test: Helps in detection of levels of creatinine in kidney
Diagnosis for international normalized ratio (INR): Check the body's ability to clot
Doctor for Diagnosis of Liver Cirrhosis
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis:
Gastroenterologist
Hematologist
Complications of Liver Cirrhosis if untreated
Yes, Liver Cirrhosis causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Liver Cirrhosis is left untreated:
bleeding disorders
buildup of fluid in the abdomen
bacterial peritonitis
portal hypertension
kidney failure
hepatocellular carcinoma
hepatic encephalopathy
Procedures for Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis
The following procedures are used to treat Liver Cirrhosis:
Liver Transplantation: Helps in transplanting damaged liver with a healthy liver
Self-care for Liver Cirrhosis
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Liver Cirrhosis:
Avoid alcohol consumption: For prevention of liver damage
Eat a low-sodium diet: Helps in prevention of swelling in abdomen and legs
Consumption of healthy diet: To prevent malnutrition and loss of muscle
Proper washing of hands: Helps in fight off infections
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Liver Cirrhosis:
Use of Milk thistle (silymarin): Helps in treatment of liver diseases
Patient Support for Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis
The following actions may help Liver Cirrhosis patients:
Medical care support groups: Focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms and pain of severe conditions of Cirrhosis
Time for Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Liver Cirrhosis to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision: