CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

 Basic information

description

Cirrhosis involves damage to the liver that develops gradually over months to years. This can lead to serious health problems because the body depends on the liver for many vital functions. Cirrhosis usually occurs in ages 40 to 60. It is more common in men than women.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Early stages (some may not have symptoms):
  • Feeling tired and weak.
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss. Nausea may occur.
  • Pinhead-sized red spots on the skin.
• Later stages:
  • Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice).
  • Palms of the hands may be reddish and blotchy.
  • Urine may be dark yellow or brown.
  • Loss of body hair and itchy skin.
  • Fluid build-up in the stomach (ascites) and legs.
  • Stool may be black, bloody, or clay-colored.
  • Bleeding and bruising.
  • Mental/personality changes.
  • Men—testicles may shrink; breasts may be swollen.
  • Women—menstrual periods may stop or be irregular.

causes

Liver damage is due to scar tissue that replaces healthy tissue. This blocks the flow of blood through the liver and decreases liver function. A number of disorders can lead to the liver damage.

risk increases with

• Alcoholism. People are all affected differently by alcohol. An amount that causes cirrhosis in one person may not be a problem for another. Nutrition may be a factor.
• Chronic hepatitis B, C, or D.
• Chronic autoimmune hepatitis.
• Blood vessel disease or chronic heart failure.
• Certain inherited disorders.
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)—fat in the liver.
• Blocked bile ducts.
• Certain drugs, toxin exposure, and some infections.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Limit alcohol use, or avoid it entirely.
• Avoid other risk factors, where possible.

expected outcomes

It will vary due to the many causes and possible complications. Stopping alcohol use and treating the disorder that led to cirrhosis may slow or stop the progress of the disease.

possible complications

• Continued alcohol use will lead to more liver damage.
• Cirrhosis can cause serious, sometimes fatal problems in any organ system in the body.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms, activities, and use of alcohol. Medical tests may include blood and urine tests, liver function studies, CT, and ultrasound. A biopsy of your liver may be done. This involves removing a sample of liver tissue for viewing under a microscope.
• Treatment may include drugs, diet and lifestyle changes, prevention or treatment of complications, and liver transplant. Your health care provider will devise a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
• If the condition is caused by alcoholism, stop drinking. Ask for help from family, friends, and community agencies. Contact an Alcoholics Anonymous group.
• Counseling or a support group may be helpful.
• Bleeding (hemorrhage) or excess fluid (ascites) may be treated with drugs or medical procedures.
• Liver transplant may be an option for severe disease.
• To learn more: American Liver Foundation, 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, New York, NY 10038; (800) 465-4837; website: www.liverfoundation.org.

medications

• Your health care provider may prescribe:
  • Drugs for the underlying disorder, to decrease excess fluid in the body, and to prevent bleeding.
  • Supplements, such as vitamins.
  • Drugs to help remove toxins from the body.
  • Drugs for complications, such as infection.
• Don't take any other drugs without medical advice.

activity

Stay as active as possible. Rest when you feel tired.

diet

Eat a well-balanced diet. You will be advised about any limits for fat, salt, or protein in your diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of cirrhosis.
• You have unusual bleeding, bloody vomit, excess fluid build-up, sudden weight gain, yellow skin or eyes, mental changes, fever, pain, or breathing problems.

Special Notes: