Liver cirrhosis is referred to as the scarring or fibrosis of the liver caused by different types of liver-related problems like hepatitis and chronic alcoholism.
The scarred tissue gradually replaces the healthy tissue in the liver, which eventually makes it less effective.
Role of kidneys
Our liver is responsible for performing several functions in a day to keep us healthy. It removes toxins from the body, makes enzymes that help us digest food, stores sugar, and nutrients, and helps to fight infections. When your liver gets injured due to any reason, the healthy liver cells are inflamed or even die. It is followed by the cell repairing process, which often causes tissue scarring. Accumulation of scarred tissues in the organ disrupts its functioning and leads to liver cirrhosis.
Although there is no cure for cirrhosis, early detection of the health problem can delay or stop scarring and reduce complications. If left untreated, it can even turn fatal.
Who is at risk?
Liver cirrhosis is a secondary health condition that often develops because of another liver problem or disease. If you won’t treat the liver condition, it will get worse and over time will turn into cirrhosis. Here are some conditions that may put you at the risk of developing liver cirrhosis.
- Alcohol abuse for years
- Viral hepatitis
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Obesity
- Injecting drugs using shared needles
- History of liver disease
- Unprotected sex
To curb the growth of unhealthy cells, you must know the symptoms. This will help you to take the right treatment at the right time. Cirrhosis shows no sign until liver damage is extensive. Here are signs and symptoms you might experience:
1. Easily bleeding or bruising
Our liver produces a protein with the help of Vitamin K which is needed for blood clotting. Besides, the organ also helps to break down old or damaged blood cells. When the liver is injured it does not make enough protein as you easily get bruised.
2. Yellow discolouration in the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and sclera turn yellow. The skin takes this colour due to a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment secreted by the liver. When the liver is bruised, it fails to regulate the amount of bile in the body, leading to this health condition.
3. Swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles (edema)
Swelling of legs and arms is also caused due to decreased production of a protein called albumin. This protein keeps the blood from leaking out of the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues. When there are fewer protein fluids start accumulating in the blood vessels.
4. Fluid accumulation in your abdomen (ascites)
In chronic liver disease, fluid may accumulate in the abdomen causing abdominal distension. This may make your belly look tight and swollen. Due to liver malfunction, fluid starts filling the space between the abdominal lining and the organs.
5. Weight loss
Losing weight unexpectedly without dieting and exercising can be a reason for concern. It is often the early sign of liver cirrhosis and should not be overlooked. If you are witnessing a drop in your body weight consult your doctor.
