Early Stages of Cirrhosis of the Liver

Cirrhosis is a chronic disease which interferes with the functioning of the liver. Individuals in the early stages of this disease are asymptomatic. The bile ducts are inflamed but the liver is still performing well enough to keep the individual relatively healthy.

Causes

• Cirrhosis is a result of life-style related circumstances. This may include alcoholism, sexually transmitted disease, hepatitis, malnutrition, infections and obesity. The major cause of this disease is infection through hepatitis or excessive use of alcohol.

Liver Fibrosis

• Cirrhosis is the final stage of liver fibrosis. At this point, connective tissue grows throughout the liver disrupting its structure and functioning. This disorder can evolve rapidly or over a period of time.

Stage One

• At Stage One of cirrhosis, abnormal tissue and inflammation have developed in the liver. There are no symptoms at this stage of the disease; however, as the functioning of the liver declines, physical disorders may begin to become more noticeable.

Symptoms

• As the disease progresses, the individual may begin to experience a few symptoms. These may include vague effects of fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and weakness.

Diagnosis

• A diagnosis, based on the presence of a risk factor such as alcohol use and obesity, can be confirmed by a physical exam, blood tests and imaging. If a test of liver function delivers abnormal results, a biopsy should be taken to help determine how far along the disease has progressed.