Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease in which the liver becomes hard and scarred (fibrotic) due to long-term injury. This scarring gradually affects liver function and can lead to serious complications.
Causes of Cirrhosis:
Cirrhosis can develop from a variety of liver diseases and conditions, including:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Chronic Hepatitis B or C infection
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – often seen in overweight or diabetic individuals
- Wilson’s disease (copper buildup in the liver)
- Autoimmune hepatitis (immune system attacks the liver)
- Hemochromatosis (excess iron accumulation in the body)
Symptoms of Cirrhosis:
Some people with cirrhosis may have no symptoms and are diagnosed incidentally during imaging or blood tests.
Common symptoms and signs include:
- Tiredness and weakness
- Swelling of the abdomen (ascites) and feet (pedal edema)
- Vomiting of blood or passing black, tarry stools (due to internal bleeding)
- Confusion or altered behavior, sometimes progressing to unconsciousness
- Reduced urine output
Diagnosis:
Cirrhosis is suspected based on symptoms and confirmed using specific tests, including:
- Liver Function Test (LFT)
- Ultrasound of the abdomen
- Fibroscan (to measure liver stiffness)
- Liver biopsy (to confirm fibrosis and its severity)
- CT scan or MRI for detailed imaging
Treatment of Cirrhosis:
The main goals of treatment are to manage complications, improve nutrition, and treat the underlying cause of liver damage.
General Management:
- High-calorie, high-protein diet to maintain nutrition
- Diuretics and salt restriction to reduce fluid accumulation
- Beta-blockers, endoscopy, and band ligation to prevent or treat variceal bleeding
- Laxatives and L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA) for managing hepatic encephalopathy (confusion due to liver dysfunction)
Specific Treatments:
- Avoid alcohol completely
- Antiviral drugs for Hepatitis B and C
- Steroids for autoimmune hepatitis
- Copper chelation therapy for Wilson’s disease
- Iron chelation therapy for hemochromatosis
In patients with advanced or end-stage liver disease, liver transplantation may be the only curative option.
In summary, cirrhosis is a progressive but manageable liver condition. Early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and targeted treatment can slow its progression and improve quality of life.