Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is the term used to describe a diseased liver that has been severely damaged, usually due to many years of injury.
Many people who have developed cirrhosis have no symptoms or
non-specific such as fatigue. However, as the cirrhosis progresses,
symptoms often develop as the liver is no longer able to perform
its normal functions.
Symptoms include:
- swollen legs and an enlarged abdomen
- easy bruising and bleeding
- frequent bacterial infections
- malnutrition, especially muscle wasting in the temples and
upper arms
- jaundice (a yellow tinge to the skin and eyes).
Cirrhosis is diagnosed using a number of tests including: blood
tests, radiology and a biopsy of the liver. Treatment is
directed to the underlying cause of the liver diease and management
of the complications. Alcohol abstinence is essential to
prevent further damage the liver. Medication may be given to
prevent complications and treat symptoms of liver failure.
Liver transplantation is an option in people who have developed
life-threatening or medical intractable complications or liver
cancer.
Click
here to view our Liver Cirrhosis Movie
For more information visit the American Gastroenterological Association
website.