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Symptoms & Treatment of Cirrhosis of the Liver

Cirrhosis of the liver occurs when the liver has been injured to the point it no longer functions properly. Scar tissue develops and blocks blood flow. It also keeps the liver from controlling infections, removing bacteria and processing nutrients.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss and abdominal pain.

    Causes

    • Causes of cirrhosis of the liver include hepatitis B, C or D, consuming large amounts of alcohol, infections, heart failure and exposure to toxic chemicals.

    Treatment

    • Treating cirrhosis of the liver includes antibiotics, diuretics, avoiding alcohol and medicines to improve blood flow. A doctor may also advise cirrhosis patients to stop taking vitamins and medicines which may damage the liver.

    Complications

    • Complications of cirrhosis of the liver include portal hypertension, leg or abdominal swelling, easy bruising, jaundice, gallstones and diabetes.

    Transplant

    • Liver transplant is considered when complications of cirrhosis can't be controlled. Because there are more people needing transplant than there are livers available, organs go to those with the best chance of survival.

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