Things to Know About Cirrhosis of the Liver

Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease, growing slowly over many years. In this condition, the healthy liver tissue is damaged and replaced by scarr tissue, damaging the liver permanently. With time, the condition becomes severe as it can begin blocking the blood flow through the liver. It also prevents the liver from working normally. Cirrhosis is a liver condition that involves irreversible scarring and loss of liver cells. Every time the liver gets damaged, it can repair itself and create hard scar tissue. However, when extreme scar tissue builds up, the liver stops working properly. One must visit a liver specialist if he or she feels any kind of symptoms. Early detection can help people keep the problem in check. Those who are looking forward to consulting the best liver specialist in Delhi can visit Gangaram Hospital.

Symptoms

Cirrhosis often shows no signs and symptoms until the condition gets extensive. However, when signs and symptoms occur, these may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and fatigue
• Weight loss
• Easily bleeding or bruising
• Itchy skin
• Pain in the area of the liver
• Swelling in feet, legs, or ankles
• Spiderlike blood vessels on the skin
• Fluid buildup in the abdomen 
• Jaundice or yellow discolouration in the eyes and skin    

Causes

Cirrhosis always develops due to another liver disease or problem. There are different types of conditions and problems that can damage the liver and cause cirrhosis. Some of the major causes include:

• Chronic hepatitis (hepatitis B, C, and D)
• Poorly formed bile ducts (biliary atresia)a
• A fat build-up in the liver which is a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Chronic alcohol abuse
• Genetic digestive disorder 
• Infection, including syphilis or brucellosis
• Hereditary disorders of sugar metabolism
• Certain medication
• Liver disease caused by the body's immune system 

One can reduce their chances of cirrhosis by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a plant-based healthy diet, avoiding alcohol consumption, and avoiding the risks of hepatitis. Those who are concerned about the risks of liver cirrhosis or feel any discomfort associated with the liver must consult a Liver specialist at Gangaram Hospital in Delhi or any other reputed hospital in another city.

Functions of the Liver and Common Symptoms of Its Malfunction

The liver is the second largest organ present in the human body. This vital organ performs a host of important functions related to digestion, metabolism, and storing of nutrients. The liver is considered to be a gland as well, as this organ tends to secrete chemicals that are used by other parts of the body. The size of the liver is approximately similar to that of a football, and this organ is located under the ribcage of a person. Besides, the liver is the sole organ of the human body that boasts of having the ability to regenerate. Let us take a glance at its importance and functions.

The Importance of the Liver

The liver performs a number of crucial functions that are vital for the survival and overall well-being of a person. Any type of damage suffered by the liver can ultimately pose a severe threat to the long-term health of a person. The important functions of the liver include: 

• Excretion and bile production
• Activation of enzymes
• Metabolizing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
• Purification and detoxification of blood
• Synthesizing plasma proteins such as albumin
• Excretion of hormones, cholesterol, and bilirubin
• Storing vitamins, glycogen, and minerals

Symptoms of Liver Diseases

Owing to the host of crucial functions performed by the liver, any kind of severe damaged suffered by it can ultimately have severe consequences for the health of an individual. Liver related ailments like hepatic steatosis, hepatitis, and cirrhosis can be debilitating, and at times, even fatal. Here are some of the most common symptoms of liver damage: 

• Yellowish discoloration of the skin and even the eyes
• Pain and swelling of the abdomen 
• Abnormal swelling of the ankle
• Swelling in feet and legs owing to insufficient protein
• Itchiness and irritability of the skin
• Production of dark-coloured urine
• Loss of appetite along with the problems of nausea and vomiting
• Chronic fatigue, forgetfulness, and confusion

People should consult the best liver specialist in Gangaram hospital or some other renowned medical institutions in case they notice any indication of liver damage within themselves or their loved ones.

There can be many causes of liver malfunction, such as chronic alcohol abuse over a number of years, infection caused by parasites and viruses infecting the liver, as well as the accumulation of fat in the liver. Inherited genetic abnormalities can also increase the risks of suffering from a liver-related ailment.

Symptoms and Indications of Liver Failure

Liver failure occurs when a major part of the liver gets damaged and is beyond any cure. Liver failure is an extremely life-threatening and severe medical condition, and thus needs urgent medical attention. People should consult a good liver specialist Gangaram Hospital or some other renowned medical facility, in case they face any risk of having a liver failure.

In most cases, liver failure tends to occur slowly over multiple years. However, there is a rare condition known as acute liver failure, where the condition takes place more rapidly and may even occur over a period of 48 hours. Acute liver failure is quite difficult to detect in its initial stages. Liver failure may or may not be reversible, depending on its type and the overall extent of its severity.

In order to prevent this severe medical condition as well as take immediate preventive actions, it is important that people are aware of its various early symptoms. Here are some of the major symptoms of liver failure:

• Jaundice
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Feeling of nausea 
• Vomiting
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Confusion and anxiety
• Disturbed sleep
• Abdominal pain towards the right side of the body

There are multiple factors that may lead to liver failure, as well as its diverse symptoms. Here are some of them:

There are certain types of medications whose intake can eventually lead to liver failure. These medicines may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, as well as particular antibiotics. There are a few types of herbal medicines that may lead to liver failure as well, including skullcap, ephedra and kava.

• Medical condition due to which the veins of the liver get blocked can also lead to liver failure. The Budd-Chiari syndrome is one such medical condition. Certain metabolic ailments like the Wilson's disease can also result in liver failure.
• An overdose of acetaminophen can at times lead to liver failure too.
• Acute liver failure might be caused due to viruses like hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis E.
• Liver failure may take place when the liver gets affected by cancer. 
• In order to reduce the risk of liver failure, limiting the intake of alcohol and tobacco, and getting vaccinations for hepatitis or any similar ailment that are known to primarily impact the liver are a must.