bih.button.backtotop.text
HomeConditions & TreatmentsConditionsCirrhosis

Cirrhosis

Find a Doctor

Send an Inquiry

Send an Inquiry

Book Appointment
Information Treatments Centers

Cirrhosis is a condition which results from permanent damage or scarring of the liver. The scar tissue that forms in the liver prevents the liver from working properly by affecting its ability to produce proteins, store vitamins and minerals and eliminate toxins, as well as blocking the normal flow of blood through the liver.  

Causes of Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is caused by several factors, including:
  • Chronic alcohol abuse
  • Hepatitis B, C and D
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Iron build up in the body
  • Wilson’s disease caused by an accumulation of copper in the liver
  • Obstruction of the bile ducts, causing bile to back up in the liver, scarring the liver and developing into cirrhosis
  • Fatty liver, causing chronic inflammation of the liver and cirrhosis
  • Long-term exposure to certain medications
  • Long-term exposure to toxins
  • Repeated bouts of heart failure
Most people have few or no symptoms from cirrhosis, but complications do occur based on the stage of evolution of the disease. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
  • Fatigue, loss of appetite with possible nausea and weight loss
  • Irregular menstruation in women; enlarged breast tissue and loss of sexual drive in men
  • Swelling in the legs or abdomen due to low albumin levels and a build-up of fluid in the legs or abdominal cavity
  • Bruising or bleeding easily due to a decrease in the proteins needed for blood clotting
  • Jaundice or yellow discoloration in the skin and eyes caused by an accumulation of the pigment melanin
  • Intense itching of the skin due to bile products being deposited in the skin
  • Mental disturbances as the liver no longer filters out toxins effectively, causing the toxins to build up in the blood, and causing mental impairment, such as poor concentration or forgetfulness
  • Sensitivity to medicines as the liver does not filter medications as effectively as normal, sometimes resulting in the build-up of medications in the body and potentially increasing the effects of the medication
  • Massive bleeding in the stomach or esophagus due to abnormal blood flow, an issue which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention
The goals of treatment are to slow down the progression of scar tissue in the liver and to prevent complications by treating the underlying cause. The doctor treats the condition; however, the patients should be careful to limit additional damage that can lead to liver failure.
 
  • Stop drinking alcohol
  • Avoid medications and substances that increase damage to the liver
  • Avoid raw food, particularly raw seafood, due to possible bacterial infection
  • Eat a proper amount of protein and choose lean protein such as fish, or legume protein such as soy, etc.
  • Avoid adding salt to meals if swelling in the legs and abdomen
  • Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, influenza, and pneumonia, because cirrhosis makes it more difficult for patients to fight off infections
  • See a doctor for monitoring the condition

Doctors Related

Related Centers

Digestive Disease (GI) Center

Learn more

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Learn more

Related Packages

CALL FOR APPOINTMENT

SEND AN INQUIRY

BOOK APPOINTMENT
Rating score 8.95 of 10, based on 21 vote(s)

Related Health Blogs

A new American standard for screening colonoscopy

According to the World Health Organization's data in 2020, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer after breast cancer and lung cancer, and is ranked second in cancer-related deaths after lung cancer.

ColonoscopyDigestive-Disease

Read more

Liver Lesion, Mass, Cancer. Should We Be Concerned?

Do you know that the liver is the largest solid organ in our body, and it does many jobs like clean your blood, store energy, etc.? If the liver is damaged, it can affect the functioning of the entire body. It is, therefore, crucial to detect and treat liver diseases early to halt liver damage and prevent possible complications. Dr. Orapin Tanapanpanit, a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist shares her expertise about “Liver Lesion, Liver Mass and Liver Cancer”.

Digestive-DiseaseDigestiveDiseaseCenterFBLiveVDOblogGastroenterology

Read more

Gastrointestinal endoscopy: an option to assess or monitor digestive diseases

A gastroscopy is an endoscopic procedure that examines the lining of the stomach to detect tissue abnormalities, amongst many other digestive diseases.

diabetesDigestive-Disease

Read more