Disease
Cirrhosis
Overview of Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic liver disease characterised by progressive liver scarring and damage to liver cells. Over time the liver loses its ability to function properly leading to severe complications. The condition is often caused by long term liver diseases such as alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis and fatty liver disease. If not managed cirrhosis can lead to liver failure.
Types of Cirrhosis
- Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Caused by excessive alcohol consumption over many years.
- Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Cirrhosis: Linked to obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
- Biliary Cirrhosis: Resulting from chronic bile duct damage and leading to bile accumulation.
- Post Hepatitis Cirrhosis: Due to chronic viral hepatitis B or C infections.
- Cardiac Cirrhosis: Caused by long-term heart failure leading to liver congestion.
- Cryptogenic Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis with an unknown cause.
Symptoms of Cirrhosis
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Swelling in the legs (edema) and abdomen (ascites)
- Itchy skin
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Confusion and memory problems (hepatic encephalopathy)
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Spider like blood vessels on the skin
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
Causes of Cirrhosis
- Chronic alcohol consumption (alcoholic liver disease)
- Viral hepatitis B and C
- Fatty liver disease (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease – NAFLD)
- Genetic disorders for example Wilson’s disease and Hemochromatosis
- Autoimmune liver diseases (Autoimmune Hepatitis and Primary Biliary Cholangitis)
- Long term bile duct damage (biliary cirrhosis)
- Chronic heart failure (leading to hepatic cirrhosis)
- Chronic liver infections or parasitic infections
- Certain medications and toxins
Complications in Liver Cirrhosis
- Portal Hypertension: Increased blood pressure in the liver’s portal vein, leading to swelling and varices.
- Ascites: Fluid buildup in the abdomen.
- Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen (Banti’s disease).
- Hepatic Encephalopathy: Toxin buildup leading to confusion and memory loss.
- Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): Increased risk of liver cancer.
- Esophageal Varices: Swollen veins in the esophagus that can rupture.
- Kidney Dysfunction (Hepatorenal Syndrome): Kidney failure due to cirrhosis.
Risk Factors of Liver Cirrhosis
- Chronic alcohol abuse
- Viral hepatitis B and C
- Obesity and diabetes
- Family history of liver disease
- Prolonged exposure to toxins or certain medications
- Unprotected sex or sharing needles (risk of hepatitis infection)
Prevention of Cirrhosis
- Limit alcohol consumption or avoid it completely.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
- Maintain a healthy weight to prevent fatty liver disease.
- Follow a balanced diet low in processed foods and high in fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid sharing needles and practice safe sex to prevent viral hepatitis.
- Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
- Take liver-protecting medications if prescribed.
Diagnosis of Cirrhosis
- Blood Tests: To check liver enzyme levels and function.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT Scan or MRI to detect liver scarring.
- Liver Biopsy: Confirms cirrhosis definition and severity.
- Elastography: Measures liver stiffness to assess damage.
- Endoscopy: Identifies esophageal varices.
Treatment of Cirrhosis
- Lifestyle Changes: Avoid alcohol, eat a liver friendly diet and exercise.
- Medications: To manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
- Treatment for Underlying Causes: Antiviral drugs for hepatitis, insulin for diabetes etc.
- Diuretics: Reduce fluid buildup in ascites.
- Beta Blockers: Lower risk of esophageal varices bleeding.
- Liver Transplant: The only option in end stage liver cirrhosis.
Prognosis of Cirrhosis
- Early stage cirrhosis can be managed with lifestyle changes.
- Compensated cirrhosis (no severe symptoms) has a better prognosis.
- Decompensated cirrhosis (with complications like ascites or hepatic encephalopathy) has a poorer outlook.
- Liver transplant may be needed for end stage liver cirrhosis symptoms.
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
- Expert Liver Specialists: Our top hepatologists provide advanced care for chronic liver disease and cirrhosis treatment.
- Comprehensive Diagnosis: From blood tests to advanced imaging, we ensure precise assessment of liver cirrhosis.
- Personalised Treatment Plans: Tailored solutions to slow disease progression and manage symptoms effectively.
- Nutritional Guidance: Diet plans to support liver health and improve overall well-being.
- Advanced Medical Support: Managing ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and portal hypertension with cutting-edge treatments.
- Liver Transplant Assistance: Complete guidance and support for transplant evaluation and procedures.
- 24/7 Patient Support: Compassionate care with round-the-clock assistance for your health concerns.
- Holistic Approach: Combining modern medicine with lifestyle adjustments to improve quality of life.
Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor
- What stage of cirrhosis do I have?
- What is the main cause of my cirrhosis?
- Can cirrhosis of the liver be cured?
- What are my treatment options?
- What dietary changes should I make?
- How can I manage cirrhosis symptoms at home?
- Is a liver transplant necessary in my case?
- What medications should I avoid?
- What are the warning signs of worsening cirrhosis?
- Can my cirrhosis improve with treatment?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?
- Clear and honest communication about their condition.
- Guidance on lifestyle changes to manage cirrhosis.
- Personalised treatment plans based on disease severity.
- Support for managing complications like ascites and hepatic encephalopathy.
- Information about long term prognosis and future care options.