Cirrhosis can be life-threatening, potentially, as it implies the scarring of the liver that is irreversible. When considered in its advanced stage, there would be damage of liver for about 80% to 90%. This damaged liver is replaced by the dead or scar tissues. This severe condition is generally caused from the damaged liver that has been sustained for many years. The liver can be sustained for long by many reasons. It can be because of the infections, viral infections like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C. the other causes can be toxic substances like excess copper, iron drugs in the liver. Or sometimes it can be because of the progressive scarring undergone by the liver and slowly replacing the normal liver cells from them.
In many of the above cases, the initial resulting causes can be treated in Hepatitis. However, cirrhosis is developed if treatment on time for removal of the offending factor is done. Then it becomes too late in the course of the disease to be changed.
Symptoms of liver failure due to cirrhosis
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- Ascites (an abnormal collection of fluid in the tummy)
- Haematemesis (vomiting of blood)
- Edema (swelling of legs, feet)
- Encephalopathy (forgetfulness, drowsiness, mental confusion, incoherent speech or coma)
- Itching (sensation of immense scratching)
- Dark yellow coloured urine
- Fatigue (weakness and loss of vigour)
- Insomnia (inability to sleep)
- Tendency to bleed and bruise easily (due to raised INR)
- Spider naevi (Red spots over body)
- Redness of hands
- Smaller testes
- Gynaecomastia (Larger breasts in males)
Liver cirrhosis can affect many other organs of the body like kidney, lungs, etc. hence a patient who is being considered for liver transplantation will have to undergo a thorough evaluation to ascertain the cause of liver disease and subsequently fitness to undergo such a major operation like liver transplantation.
