Cirrhosis - What it is, symptoms and treatments

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that affects millions of people around the world. Despite being a common condition, cirrhosis remains a topic little understood by many people.

What is cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by the formation of scarring and fibrous tissue in the organ, affecting its normal structure and function. This condition develops over time as a result of chronic and ongoing liver injury, and represents an advanced stage of liver damage. In cirrhosis, healthy liver cells are gradually replaced by scar tissue, making it difficult for the liver to function properly.

The liver is an essential organ for the human body, playing a crucial role in processes such as detoxification of harmful substances, synthesis of vital proteins, digestion of fats and regulation of nutrient metabolism. When cirrhosis progresses, these functions are compromised, which can have serious health consequences.

The main causes of cirrhosis include chronic and excessive alcohol consumption, viral infections such as hepatitis B and C, nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), autoimmune disorders, toxins, genetic disorders, and other factors that cause inflammation and damage. prolonged liver

Cirrhosis can be asymptomatic in its early stages, making it difficult to detect early. However, as it progresses, symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), weight loss, abdominal pain, fluid retention, bleeding, and cognitive problems may manifest. Additionally, cirrhosis increases the risk of serious complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), hepatic encephalopathy, and liver cancer.

Diagnosing cirrhosis usually involves a combination of blood tests to evaluate liver functions, imaging tests such as ultrasounds or MRIs to evaluate liver health, and, in some cases, a liver biopsy to confirm the presence of scar tissue. Once diagnosed, treatment for cirrhosis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the disease. It may include alcohol withdrawal, medications to control complications, specific treatments for liver infections, and, in severe cases, liver transplantation.

Causes of Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis can be caused by various reasons, the most common being the following:

Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Chronic alcohol abuse is one of the main causes of cirrhosis in many countries. Alcohol damages the liver over time, which can lead to cirrhosis.

Hepatitis: Chronic hepatitis B and C infections are another major cause of cirrhosis. These infections inflame the liver for a long period of time and can lead to scarring.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This disease is related to the accumulation of fat in the liver and can progress to cirrhosis in severe cases.

Autoimmune Disorders: Some autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, can cause cirrhosis when the immune system attacks the liver.

Genetic Disorders: Rarely, genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, and cystic fibrosis can cause cirrhosis.

Certain Medications and Toxins: Long-term use of certain medications, as well as exposure to toxic substances such as lead, can damage the liver and cause cirrhosis.

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC): An autoimmune condition that affects the bile ducts within the liver, leading to cirrhosis in severe cases.

Cardiac Cirrhosis : Cirrhosis can sometimes develop as a result of chronic congestive heart failure.

Symptoms of Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis can be asymptomatic in its early stages, meaning there are no notable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear:

Fatigue : Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of cirrhosis. Patients often feel exhausted and have little energy.

Jaundice : Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the buildup of bilirubin. This may indicate a problem with the liver.

Weight Loss : Cirrhosis can lead to unwanted weight loss due to poor absorption of nutrients.

Abdominal Pain: Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right area, can be a symptom of cirrhosis.

Fluid Retention: Cirrhosis can cause fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) and legs (edema).

Bleeding : Due to decreased protein production, patients with cirrhosis may experience increased bleeding and bruising.

Confusion and Personality Changes: In advanced cases, cirrhosis can affect brain function, leading to hepatic encephalopathy, which manifests as confusion, personality changes, and cognitive problems.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Cirrhosis can cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which manifests as vomiting blood or black, tarry stools.

Spider Veins: Small spider veins can form in the skin due to dilation of blood vessels on the surface of the skin.

Diagnosis of Cirrhosis

Diagnosis of cirrhosis usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. Some of the most common diagnostic methods are:

• Blood Tests: Blood tests may reveal abnormal levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin.
• Imaging: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show the size and texture of the liver, as well as the presence of cirrhosis.
• Liver Biopsy: In some cases, a liver biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample to confirm cirrhosis.
• Liver Elastography : This test measures the stiffness of the liver, which usually increases in cases of cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis Treatment

Treatment of cirrhosis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the disease. Some treatment options include:

Alcohol Withdrawal: In cases of alcoholic cirrhosis, stopping alcohol consumption is essential to prevent the progression of the disease.

Hepatitis Treatment: If cirrhosis is caused by hepatitis B or C infection, antiviral medications may be used to control the infection.

Management of Complications: Medications may be used to control ascites, edema, bleeding, and other complications associated with cirrhosis.

Liver Transplant: In severe cases of cirrhosis in which the liver is severely damaged, a liver transplant may be considered.

Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising can help prevent the progression of cirrhosis.

Prevention of Cirrhosis

Preventing cirrhosis is essential to maintaining liver health. To prevent the development of this liver disease, it is crucial to take a holistic approach that includes limiting or eliminating key risk factors. Moderate alcohol consumption is essential, as chronic alcohol abuse is a leading cause of cirrhosis. Vaccination against hepatitis B can protect against this viral infection, which often leads to cirrhosis. Furthermore, in work environments with exposure to toxic substances, following safety measures is essential. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper body weight, a balanced diet and regular exercise, contributes to liver health. Controlling underlying diseases such as diabetes and hypertension is vital as they can aggravate liver damage if not managed properly. It is also important to take steps to protect against infections that can affect the liver, such as practicing safe sex and avoiding contact with contaminated blood. In summary, preventing cirrhosis involves addressing specific risk factors and maintaining a comprehensive care approach to preserve liver health throughout life.