Liver cirrhosis is a chronic, progressive disease of the liver characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue. This scar tissue impairs the liver’s ability to function properly. Cirrhosis is often the result of long-term liver damage due to various factors, including chronic alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis B and C), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other liver diseases. Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis Fatigue: Feeling very tired and weak. Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels. Itching: Intense itching caused by bile products deposited in the skin. Bruising and Bleeding: Increased tendency to bruise or bleed easily. Swelling: Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen (ascites). Weight Loss: Unintended weight loss. Confusion: Encephalopathy, which can lead to confusion, drowsiness, and even coma in severe cases. Causes of Liver Cirrhosis Chronic Alcohol Abuse: Long-term excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause. Viral Hepatitis: Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Fat accumulation in the liver not due to alcohol. Autoimmune Hepatitis: The body’s immune system attacks liver cells. Biliary Diseases: Diseases that affect the bile ducts, such as primary biliary cholangitis. Genetic Disorders: Conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload) and Wilson’s disease (copper overload). Complications of Liver Cirrhosis Portal Hypertension: Increased blood pressure in the portal vein, leading to varices and gastrointestinal bleeding. Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Hepatic Encephalopathy: Confusion, altered level of consciousness, and coma due to liver failure. Liver Cancer: Increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Infections: Increased susceptibility to infections.
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