Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver that involves the formation of fibrous (scar) tissue associated with the destruction of the normal architecture of the organ
As the disease progresses, tiredness, weakness, lack of energy, loss of appetite, nausea and weight loss may develop. In the later stages the liver is struggling to perform all its functions and any or all of the following symptoms may be present. Jaundice occurs as the skin and eyes yellow due to the failure of the liver to remove a substance called bilirubin from the blood. The shape and appearance of the nails may change. They may be more curved (clubbing) and they may be white rather than pink. The skin also changes and about a quarter of patients will have darkening of the skin.
Fluid retention is common at some stage in cirrhosis. An important function of the liver is to rid the body of excess fluid through the kidneys and when it fails, fluid gathers in the legs (oedema) or in the abdomen (ascites). The commonest abnormality is a spider naevus, which is a spot surrounded by fine blood vessels. A red face is also common.
Nosebleeds and easy bruising occur as a result of abnormal blood vessels and delayed clotting because the liver does not make enough clotting proteins.
Enlargement of breasts in men is common as the liver destroys the female sex hormones. In cirrhosis these accumulate and cause enlargement of the breasts and shrinking of the testes in men.
In the very late stages of the disease, serious complications may occur. These include vomiting of blood, either from ulcers in the stomach or from leaking varicose veins in the lower end of the oesophagus (gullet). This is serious and requires hospital treatment.
The liver is responsible for removing poisonous substances from the blood. In cirrhosis, the blood may bypass the liver and these poisonous substances pass to the brain where they may result in alteration in brain function, causing confusion, drowsiness and finally a coma. This is called hepatic encephalopathy. This is also serious and requires hospital treatment.
As the disease progresses, tiredness, weakness, lack of energy, loss of appetite, nausea and weight loss may develop. In the later stages the liver is struggling to perform all its functions and any or all of the following symptoms may be present. Jaundice occurs as the skin and eyes yellow due to the failure of the liver to remove a substance called bilirubin from the blood. The shape and appearance of the nails may change. They may be more curved (clubbing) and they may be white rather than pink. The skin also changes and about a quarter of patients will have darkening of the skin.
Fluid retention is common at some stage in cirrhosis. An important function of the liver is to rid the body of excess fluid through the kidneys and when it fails, fluid gathers in the legs (oedema) or in the abdomen (ascites). The commonest abnormality is a spider naevus, which is a spot surrounded by fine blood vessels. A red face is also common.
Nosebleeds and easy bruising occur as a result of abnormal blood vessels and delayed clotting because the liver does not make enough clotting proteins.
Enlargement of breasts in men is common as the liver destroys the female sex hormones. In cirrhosis these accumulate and cause enlargement of the breasts and shrinking of the testes in men.
In the very late stages of the disease, serious complications may occur. These include vomiting of blood, either from ulcers in the stomach or from leaking varicose veins in the lower end of the oesophagus (gullet). This is serious and requires hospital treatment.
The liver is responsible for removing poisonous substances from the blood. In cirrhosis, the blood may bypass the liver and these poisonous substances pass to the brain where they may result in alteration in brain function, causing confusion, drowsiness and finally a coma. This is called hepatic encephalopathy. This is also serious and requires hospital treatment.
