Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a condition where the liver becomes damaged and scarred. Think of it like having a lot of scars on your skin that make it rough and bumpy. Similarly, in liver cirrhosis, the liver develops a lot of scars that make it hard and lumpy. These scars affect the liver’s ability to do its job properly, like cleaning your blood, making important proteins, and helping with digestion. Without treatment, liver cirrhosis can cause serious health problems, so it’s important to take care of your liver and seek medical help if needed.

Liver cirrhosis can be caused by different factors that harm the liver over a long period of time. Some common causes include excessive alcohol consumption, infections like hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease from obesity or diabetes, and certain genetic conditions. These factors damage the liver cells and cause scarring, which affects the liver’s ability to work properly. It’s important to identify and address the underlying cause to prevent further liver damage and manage the condition effectively.

Common symptoms of liver cirrhosis include;
– Fatigue
– Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
– Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
– Easy bruising and bleeding
– Changes in behavior or confusion (hepatic encephalopathy)
– An increased risk of infections.

Liver cirrhosis is a complex condition that requires medical management. The treatment aims to slow down the progression of the disease, manage complications, and improve the quality of life. Here are some common treatment options:

– Lifestyle changes: Making healthy choices like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and certain medications that can harm the liver.
– Medications: The doctor may prescribe medications to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent complications.
– Treating underlying causes: If liver cirrhosis is caused by conditions like viral hepatitis or fatty liver disease, treating the underlying cause can help slow down the progression.
– Managing complications: The doctor will address any complications that may arise, such as fluid accumulation, infection, or bleeding, through medications, procedures, or surgeries.
– Liver transplantation: In severe cases, when the liver is extensively damaged, a liver transplant may be considered. This involves replacing the damaged liver with a healthy one from a donor.

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to create a personalised treatment plan based on your specific condition and needs. Regular check-ups and following medical advice can help manage liver cirrhosis effectively.