Overview of Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic liver disease characterised by progressive liver scarring and damage to liver cells. Over time the liver loses its ability to function properly leading to severe complications. The condition is often caused by long term liver diseases such as alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis and fatty liver disease. If not managed cirrhosis can lead to liver failure.

Types of Cirrhosis

1. Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Caused by excessive alcohol consumption over many years.

2. Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Cirrhosis: Linked to obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

3. Biliary Cirrhosis: Resulting from chronic bile duct damage and leading to bile accumulation.

4. Post Hepatitis Cirrhosis: Due to chronic viral hepatitis B or C infections.

5. Cardiac Cirrhosis: Caused by long-term heart failure leading to liver congestion.

6. Cryptogenic Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis with an unknown cause.

Symptoms of Cirrhosis

Fatigue and weakness

Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Swelling in the legs (edema) and abdomen (ascites)

Itchy skin

Easy bruising and bleeding

Confusion and memory problems (hepatic encephalopathy)

Dark urine and pale stools

Spider like blood vessels on the skin

Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)

Causes of Cirrhosis

Chronic alcohol consumption (alcoholic liver disease)

Viral hepatitis B and C

Fatty liver disease (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - NAFLD)

Genetic disorders for example Wilson’s disease and Hemochromatosis

Autoimmune liver diseases (Autoimmune Hepatitis and Primary Biliary Cholangitis)

Long term bile duct damage (biliary cirrhosis)

Chronic heart failure (leading to hepatic cirrhosis)

Chronic liver infections or parasitic infections

Certain medications and toxins

Complications in Liver Cirrhosis

• Portal Hypertension: Increased blood pressure in the liver’s portal vein, leading to swelling and varices.
• Ascites: Fluid buildup in the abdomen.
• Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen (Banti’s disease).
• Hepatic Encephalopathy: Toxin buildup leading to confusion and memory loss.
• Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): Increased risk of liver cancer.
• Esophageal Varices: Swollen veins in the esophagus that can rupture.
• Kidney Dysfunction (Hepatorenal Syndrome): Kidney failure due to cirrhosis.

Risk Factors of Liver Cirrhosis

Chronic alcohol abuse

Viral hepatitis B and C

Obesity and diabetes

Family history of liver disease

Prolonged exposure to toxins or certain medications

Unprotected sex or sharing needles (risk of hepatitis infection)

Prevention of Cirrhosis

Limit alcohol consumption or avoid it completely.

Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Maintain a healthy weight to prevent fatty liver disease.

Follow a balanced diet low in processed foods and high in fruits and vegetables.

Avoid sharing needles and practice safe sex to prevent viral hepatitis.

Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

Take liver-protecting medications if prescribed.