Cirrhosis Liver
Cirrhosis of the Liver – FAQs
What is Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is a condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, leading to a permanent loss of liver function. It develops slowly over years due to chronic liver damage.
What causes Cirrhosis?
Common causes include chronic alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C infections, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), autoimmune liver diseases, and genetic conditions like hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease.
What are the symptoms of Cirrhosis?
Early cirrhosis may cause no symptoms. As the disease worsens, symptoms like fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), easy bruising, swelling in the legs and abdomen, confusion, and gastrointestinal bleeding may occur.
How is Cirrhosis diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose cirrhosis through blood tests, imaging studies (such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI), elastography (liver stiffness measurement), and sometimes liver biopsy.
Can Cirrhosis be reversed?
While the scar tissue itself is permanent, early cirrhosis progression can be slowed or even halted if the underlying cause (like alcohol use or hepatitis) is treated effectively.
How is Cirrhosis treated?
Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause, preventing further liver damage, managing symptoms, and treating complications. In advanced cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.
What are the complications of Cirrhosis?
Complications include portal hypertension, variceal bleeding, ascites (fluid accumulation), hepatic encephalopathy (confusion due to liver failure), infections, liver cancer, and kidney failure.
Who is at risk of developing Cirrhosis?
Individuals with chronic alcohol use, viral hepatitis, obesity-related fatty liver disease, autoimmune liver diseases, or a family history of liver diseases are at higher risk.
Is liver transplantation a cure for Cirrhosis?
For end-stage cirrhosis with liver failure, liver transplantation is often the only definitive treatment, offering a chance for a normal life post-surgery.
How can Cirrhosis be prevented?
Avoiding excessive alcohol intake, getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, treating hepatitis infections early, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular liver health check-ups can help prevent cirrhosis.