Cirrhosis
What is Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is damage to the liver caused from obesity, medication injury, viral infections, or alcohol abuse. When injury occurs scar tissue is formed, the scarring is called fibrosis over time this will cause the liver to harden and shrink, this is called cirrhosis, and the damage can not be reversed.
Compensated Cirrhosis
Signs & Symptoms
Most patients with cirrhosis won’t have symptoms until liver damage is significant. When that happens, the symptoms can include:
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue / Lack of energy
- Bruises
- Itchy skin
- Weight loss, loss of muscle mass
* If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please call Advance Gastroenterology Associates to make an appointment
De-compensated Cirrhosis
Signs & Symptoms
- Bleeding Varices
- Ascites
- Encephalopathy (confusion)
- Spider Angiomas on the face, neck, upper abdomen, and arms
- Jaundice (Yellow discoloration of the skin/eyes)
What can cause Cirrhosis
The most common cirrhosis causes are:
- Viral Infections – including Hepatitis B and C
- Alcohol Abuse
- Fatty Liver
- Medication Injury
Other cirrhosis causes include:
- Hemochromatosis (buildup of iron in the body)
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Wilson’s Disease (abnormal storage of copper in the liver)
- Bile duct blockage
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
- Inherited disorders
- Drug-induced injury
- Autoimmune diseases