Comprehensive Guide to Cirrhosis of the Liver: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment |

1. THUMBAY HOSPITAL

2. What is cirrhosis liver? • Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic and progressive condition characterized by the scarring of the liver tissue. This scarring impairs liver function and can lead to serious complications. Cirrhosis Liver is often caused by long-term liver damage, such as that from chronic alcohol abuse, chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B, C, D), fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), autoimmune hepatitis, or other causes. As cirrhosis progresses, the liver becomes increasingly scarred, which can lead to decreased liver function, portal hypertension (increased pressure in the veins that bring blood to the liver), and liver failure. Symptoms of cirrhosis can include fatigue, weakness, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), easy bruising and bleeding, swelling in the legs and abdomen, confusion, and weight loss. Cirrhosis is a serious condition that requires medical management and can sometimes necessitate a liver transplant if the liver damage is severe. Treatment aims to manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and address the underlying cause of liver damage, if possible. Lifestyle changes, such as abstaining from alcohol and maintaining a healthy diet, are often recommended to help manage cirrhosis.

3. What are the four stages of cirrhosis of the liver? • Compensated Cirrhosis: In this stage, the liver is still able to function adequately despite the presence of significant scarring. Many individuals with compensated cirrhosis may not experience noticeable symptoms initially. However, there may be underlying signs of liver dysfunction, and the risk of complications is elevated. With proper management, complications can often be prevented or delayed during this stage. • Decompensated Cirrhosis: As cirrhosis progresses, the liver's ability to function declines further, leading to the onset of complications. Decompensated cirrhosis is characterized by the development of symptoms such as jaundice, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen), hepatic encephalopathy (confusion and cognitive impairment due to liver dysfunction), and gastrointestinal bleeding. This stage typically requires more intensive medical management and monitoring. • End-Stage Liver Disease (ESLD): In this advanced stage, liver function is severely impaired, and complications become increasingly severe and life-threatening. Individuals with end-stage liver disease may experience severe jaundice, significant fluid retention (ascites and edema), hepatic encephalopathy, and recurrent episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding. Liver transplantation may be the only viable treatment option for some individuals at this stage. • Liver Failure: This stage represents the most severe form of liver dysfunction, where the liver is no longer able to perform its essential functions adequately. Liver failure can be acute (developing rapidly) or chronic (progressing over time). It is associated with a high risk of mortality if left untreated. Liver transplantation is often the only option for individuals with liver failure to survive.

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