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Complications of Liver Cirrhosis

The liver, an essential organ in the human body, carries out several essential functions such as detoxifying harmful substances, purifying blood, manufacturing vital nutrients, making proteins that regulate blood clotting, and producing bile to absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins, A healthy liver is necessary for survival. It is able to regenerate most of its own cells when they become damaged. When a liver is unable to repair itself, scar tissue is formed that partially blocks the flow of blood through the liver and impairs the organ's ability to control infections.

  1. Cirrhosis

    • Cirrhosis is a disorder in which the liver slowly deteriorates and malfunctions due to chronic injury. With the formation of scar tissue, the liver is no longer able to perform as it should. The blood may bypass the liver, passing poisonous substances to the brain which could result in drowsiness, confusion and coma.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, exhaustion, bleeding hemorrhoids, jaundice, weight loss, swelling of the legs, abdominal pain, decreased urine output and fevers. Unfortunately, this disease displays no symptoms in its early stages,

    Causes/Complications

    • The primary cause of cirrhosis of the liver is long-term alcoholism. Many individuals have more than one basis for the disease including obesity, inherited diseases, iron buildup in the body and a hepatitis C infection.

      Complications brought on by the disease may include malnutrition, frequent infections, increased risk of liver cancer and a high level of toxins in the blood.

    Diagnosis

    • A medical professional will discuss the patient's medical history and symptoms with him and schedule a thorough physical examination. Laboratory workups will involve blood tests and imaging procedures including a CT scan, MRI and ultrasound. A liver biopsy may also be scheduled to determine the cause of the disease, the extent of the damage and treatment options. Tissue examination is the only definitive method for confirming a cirrhosis diagnosis.

    Treatment

    • Treatment may include antibiotics, periodic blood tests, ultrasound examinations, blood pressure medications, water pills or medications to control hepatitis. The individual may need to stop taking certain medications or seek treatment for alcohol dependency. A liver transplant will be necessary when complications of the disease cannot be controlled by treatment and the condition becomes life-threatening.

    Prognosis

    • Cirrhosis is caused by the irreversible scarring of the liver. It is not possible to heal the liver or regain its normal functioning. This is a very serious condition which may lead to many complications. Sound medical advice, treatment and a change in lifestyle are necessary for survival.

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