Liver Cirrhosis
What is Liver Cirrhosis ?
Cirrhosis is advanced scarring of the liver caused by many diseases and conditions, including hepatitis or alcohol use disorder. Each time the liver is injured — whether by alcohol use disorder or another cause, such as infection — it tries to repair itself. In the process, scar tissue forms. As cirrhosis gets worse, more and more scar tissue forms, making it difficult for the liver to do its job. Advanced cirrhosis is life-threatening.
The liver damage caused by cirrhosis generally can’t be undone. But if liver cirrhosis is diagnosed early and the underlying cause is treated, further damage can be limited. In rare cases, it may be reversed.
Symptoms
- Yellow discoloration in the skin and eyes, called jaundice
- Fluid buildup in the belly, called ascites
- Spiderlike blood vessels on the skin
- Redness in the palms of the hands
- Pale fingernails, especially the thumb and index finger
- Clubbing of the fingers
- Confusion, drowsiness or slurred speech
- Extreme tiredness
- Easily bleeding or bruising
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Swelling in the legs, feet or ankles, called edema
- Weight loss
- Itchy skin
Cause
A wide range of diseases and conditions can damage the liver and lead to cirrhosis. Some of the causes include Long-term alcohol abuse. Ongoing viral hepatitis (hepatitis B, C and D). Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease — formerly called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease — a condition in which fat builds up in the liver. Hemochromatosis, a condition that causes iron buildup in the body. Autoimmune hepatitis, which is a liver disease caused by the body’s immune system. Destruction of the bile ducts caused by primary biliary cholangitis. Hardening and scarring of the bile ducts caused by primary sclerosing cholangitis. Wilson’s disease, a condition in which copper build up in the liver. Cystic fibrosis. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Poorly formed bile ducts, a condition known as biliary atresia. Disorders of sugar metabolism, such as galactosemia or glycogen storage disease. Alagille syndrome, a genetic digestive disorder. Infection, such as syphilis or brucellosis. Medicines, including methotrexate or isoniazid.
Risk Factors
You might be at higher risk for cirrhosis of the liver if you are older than 50. Have a history of heavy alcohol use. Have a chronic viral hepatitis infection. Have metabolic syndrome.
When to see a Doctor
Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if you have any of the symptoms listed above.