HerbalProvider.com defines cirrhosis “as a potentially life threatening condition that occurs when scarring damages the liver. The scarring replaces healthy tissue and prevents the liver from working normally. Cirrhosis usually develops after years of liver inflammation.” The two main causes of cirrhosis in the United States are alcohol and hepatitis C. Alcohol abuse is the leading cause.
Because damage to the liver is irreversible early diagnosis of cirrhosis is critical. The liver is such an effective functioning organ that someone with cirrhosis could remain asymptomatic for years without showing any signs or symptoms. Some of the earliest signs are:
Fatigue, weakness, exhaustion, nausea, loss of appetite and weight loss. Finding the source and starting treatment will prevent further damage to the liver cells.
Diagnosing Cirrhosis.
The early signs of cirrhosis does not necessarily mean that you have cirrhosis as these signs are also related to other diseases.
A patient’s medical history will be taken.
Questions about family history and medical conditions will be addressed.
The signs and symptoms of cirrhosis exhibited by the patient will be based on the severity of the liver damage.
History of drugs and alcohol abuse will be addressed.
Record of medications taken by the patient will be noted.
A physical examination will be done to assess the size of the liver, is it hard or soft, is it irregular and/or soft and tender?
Laboratory Studies
Blood tests will be taken:
A liver enzyme test will assess the level of liver enzymes in the blood.
Patients with cirrhosis of the liver have elevated liver enzymes in the blood.
Prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time (PT and PTT time) tests will be taken to assess how well the blood clots.
A complete blood count with platelet count studies will also be done. A low platelet count can cause excessive bleeding while a high platelet count can block blood vessels.
Other Diagnostic Tests include:
An ultra sound which will show an image of the liver to indicate the size and flow of blood through the liver.
A computerized Axial Tomography Scan (CAT Scan) will be done to see if there any abnormalities in the liver.
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will give a good detailed image of the liver.
A laparoscopy is another approach to diagnosing cirrhosis of the liver.
In this procedure a thin lighted scope is passed through a small incision in the abdomen to view and assess the condition of the liver.
A liver biopsy is the ultimate test to determine if a patient has cirrhosis, it is 100% accurate.
Other Signs and Symptoms of Cirrhosis are:
Jaundice a yellow discoloration of the skin and the white of the eyes due to elevated bilirubin in the blood.
Ascites due to the retention of fluid in the abdomen.
Edema which is retention of fluids in the legs.
Portal hypertension may occur due to the build up of pressure in the vein entering the liver.
Liver failure is a serious complication that will result in confusion and ultimately to coma.
Treatment for Cirrhosis
Any damage already done to the liver is irreversible.
The main goal in the treatment of cirrhosis is to prevent any further to the liver.
It is therefore important to determine the source of the damage and correct it.
A liver transplant is the last resort.
Prevention
If the source is alcohol abuse, stop drinking alcohol.
Discuss any over the counter medications you may be taking for advice on whether they have adverse effect on the liver.
A low sodium diet will help to decrease the retention of fluid.
Diuretic may be ordered to help with edema and ascites.
Antibiotics may be necessary for treating infection.
A paracentesis which is the removal of fluid from the abdomen may also be necessary.
Practicing a healthy live style is the key to avoid being diagnosed with cirrhosis.
