Cirrhosis is the buildup of scars (or fibrosis) in the tissue of the liver. The areas that have formed scars are unable to perform liver functions, such as helping fight infections, cleaning the blood, producing proteins from the food we eat, and assisting digestion and production/storage of energy.
In the United States, two of the most common causes of cirrhosis are chronic alcoholism and viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and hepatitis C). Apart from impacting the functions of the liver, cirrhosis can lead to complications including:
- Swelling (edema) of the abdomen or legs (excess fluid in your body)
- Extra sensitivity to the side effects of medicines
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
- Easy bruising, bleeding, or nosebleeds
- High blood pressure in the veins of the liver
- Enlarged, easy to bleed veins (varices) in the stomach and esophagus (the hollow tube that leads from the throat to the stomach)
- Gallstones
- Increased risk of liver cancer
- Kidney failure
Causes of Cirrhosis
Most people believe that the only way one can get cirrhosis is by abusing alcohol, and there is a myth that this disease can be prevented through abstinence or behavior modification. However, chronic alcoholic liver disease is not the only means to develop cirrhosis; there is also nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis C, and chronic hepatitis B. Additionally, long-term use of certain prescription drugs may increase risk for cirrhosis as does heart disease, bile duct disease, or certain congenital diseases.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Cirrhosis presents in many signs and symptoms, such as yellowing of the skin, severe fatigue and darkening of the urine. Often, cirrhosis is first detected during a regular checkup or routine blood test. Many symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed and the kidney has been damaged.
A generalist or a specialist such as a hepatologist (liver specialist) will study the signs and symptoms that suggest cirrhosis. The doctor may order several tests, including bloodwork, biopsy (a tissue sample), or imaging tests (such as MRI or CT scans) to confirm a diagnosis of cirrhosis. Kidney function and hepatitis tests may also be performed.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment to cure the disease, but doctors can prescribe medications to treat the symptoms, complications, and the disease(s) or conditions that led to cirrhosis. Treatment may keep the disease from getting worse and may help to prevent liver failure. Treatment may also provide some improvement in the scarred areas of the liver.
Recommendations
Some general recommendations from doctors to patients with cirrhosis include:
- Treatment for alcohol addiction
- Lifestyle changes such as improved nutrition and increased exercise
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Avoiding foods that may impact your affected liver, such as raw fish, undercooked meats and shellfish
In the event that all treatments for cirrhosis are unsuccessful, a partial or full liver transplantation may be an option for some patients. If you’ve been diagnosed with cirrhosis, also talk with your doctor about your risk of developing liver cancer.
For more information about cirrhosis and other diseases of the liver, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Becker’s team, contact Austin Gastroenterology for an appointment at the location nearest you.
