Cirrhosis is an irreversible and permanent condition that is characterized by scarring of liver tissue.
Book an Appointment
Dr. Abhishek YadavCirrhosis is an irreversible and permanent condition that is characterized by scarring of liver tissue. It results from long standing liver inflammation and damage that causes diffuse liver tissue fibrosis resulting in alteration of normal liver structures into regenerative liver nodules. The end-stage chronic liver disease results from various conditions, including excessive alcohol consumption, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), hepatitis infection, and certain autoimmune diseases.
The progressive cirrhosis can be asymptomatic in nature and can manifest in compensated (liver is still able to perform certain functions ) and decompensated stages (complete loss of liver function). A number of complications, including ascites, gastro-esophageal variceal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy, can arise as a result of the progressive course of cirrhosis. On top of that, this condition may progress to liver failure and ultimately resulting in death in certain cases. These complications significantly impair patients' quality of life and are associated with high patient fatalities, which places a heavy burden on global public health.
People are generally less aware and concerned about cirrhosis than they are about other common chronic illnesses like congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic kidney disease, despite its widespread prevalence and burden worldwide. This life-threatening condition is still not well understood among people, which can result in unintentional disease progression and irreversible consequences. Staying informed on cirrhosis can save lives and enhance quality of life.
Schedule a call
Get trustful insight about your liver problems and the accurate personalized treatment for it. Your well-being is important to us. Book your appointment for a second opinion.
Contact Us
Liver Cirrhosis?Cirrhosis is a progressive condition of the liver that is characterized by severe permanent scarring that damages your liver and interferes with its functioning. It can lead to liver failure. It results due to gradual and persistent damage of healthy liver cells over many years.
The most common causes behind this condition include excessive drug abuse and alcohol intake, viral infections, and metabolic disturbances. Your liver attempts to heal itself every time it sustains damage, whether from excessive alcohol use or another factor like an infection. Scar tissue forms during this process. An increasing amount of scar tissue forms upon cirrhosis worsening, which complicates the liver's ability to function. Advancing cirrhosis can result in fatal outcomes.
In many cases, cirrhosis is asymptomatic until significant liver damage occurs. However following symptoms can indicate towards liver cirrhosis:
Numerous diseases, disorders, habits, and medications have the potential to harm the liver and cause cirrhosis. Following are the primary causes:
CONTACT USThe doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination to look for liver cirrhosis symptoms. He/she will inquire about when your symptoms started and if they have altered over time. In addition, they'll inquire about your diet, lifestyle, and medications, herbal remedies, or supplements you may be taking. You need to tell your doctor about your past liver disease or damage. Following tests may be advised to check for liver cirrhosis:
Liver failure and liver disease symptoms can be detected by a panel of liver function tests. This test gauges the levels of bilirubin, proteins, and liver enzymes in your blood. Additionally, certain diseases or known side effects of medications, such as decreased blood clotting, may be detected through blood tests.
An MRI, CT scan, or abdominal ultrasound are examples of imaging tests that can display the size, shape, and texture of your liver. Elastography (a special imaging test) measures the degree of liver fibrosis or stiffness using MRI or ultrasound technology.
A liver biopsy is a simple procedure that involves removing a small sample of liver tissue for laboratory testing. Typically, a hollow needle can be used by a medical professional to collect the sample. A liver biopsy can confirm cirrhosis and possibly help identify its cause, though it is not always required.
Your liver will become permanently scarred as a result of cirrhosis. Although your liver is capable of healing itself quite well, cirrhosis is a disease state in which your liver lacks sufficient healthy cells for self-healing. However, it might be possible to halt or reduce the further progression of cirrhosis. This largely depends on the underlying cause and how well the treatment works for you. Treating the underlying cause of early cirrhosis may enable liver damage to be minimized. Following are the best liver treatment options in Pune, India:
The stage and type of liver cirrhosis determine the life expectancy, which can range from about 2 to 12 years. Individuals with compensated cirrhosis have a 9–12 year life expectancy but rarely exhibit any symptoms. Decompensated cirrhosis patients already deal with symptoms and side effects. They have a far shorter life expectancy than people with compensated cirrhosis, and in these situations, doctors advise referring patients for a liver transplant surgery. Research indicates that a person with advanced stage cirrhosis is likely to live for two years on average.
Consider these measures to take better care of your liver and reduce your risk of cirrhosis:
Liver cirrhosis occurs in a number of individuals for various causes. Although it's frequently linked to long-term alcohol consumption, there are other conditions also that can cause it that you may be ignorant of or that are out of your control. Many people don't even realize they have liver disease until they start showing signs of decompensated cirrhosis. When you become aware of it, cirrhosis takes the form of a severe warning sign. However, there is always a hope to lead a quality of life even after developing this disease. But prevention is better than cure.
Both dietary modifications and medication can help to manage many liver diseases. If you can stop the damage, you can stop the progression of liver disease, even if you have permanent scarring.
A: Your only option for treatment might be a liver transplant if your cirrhosis worsens and your liver becomes severely damaged. This is a major procedure where your damaged liver is removed and replaced with a healthy liver from a donor.
A: If the liver is not heavily scarred and is still in a state of adequate health, it can regenerate itself quite well. But cirrhosis limits your liver's ability to regenerate.
A: Men are more likely than women to have cirrhosis, and it also happens more often after the age of 50.
A: Eliminating the cause is the best way to repair the damage. For instance, it's critical to quit drinking if you have fatty liver from alcohol consumption. Eating healthily and losing weight are crucial if your diet or being overweight is the cause.
A: Many cirrhosis patients can lead long, fulfilling lives without requiring a liver transplant. However, how long you live with cirrhosis depends on the severity of damage and your efforts to overcome the disease.
