Alcohol may temporarily relieve problems, but its long-term effects are detrimental, especially on the liver. Overindulgence can lead to liver cirrhosis, a serious condition resulting in permanent liver damage and eventual failure.
What is Liver Cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis is a critical medical condition characterized by permanent liver damage, gradually leading to liver failure.
Stages of Liver Cirrhosis
- Compensated Cirrhosis: Asymptomatic stage where individuals show no symptoms and can live for about 9-12 years.
- Decompensated Cirrhosis: Complications such as jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome arise, with survival beyond two years being rare.
Fact: Liver cirrhosis ranks among the top 20 causes of disability-adjusted life years and years of life lost, accounting for about 1.6% and 2.1% of the global burden.
Causes of Liver Cirrhosis
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Fatty liver
- Chronic viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B, C, and D)
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Hemochromatosis (iron accumulation)
- Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation)
- Genetic disorders
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Medication-induced
Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis
Early Stage: Loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, nausea, weight loss
Late Stage: Easy bruising, bleeding, itchy skin, swelling, abdominal fluid accumulation, urine and skin discoloration, cognitive impairment, sexual dysfunction
Complications of Liver Cirrhosis
- Portal hypertension
- Splenomegaly
- Varices
- Malnutrition
- Bone diseases
- Liver cancer
Diagnosis and Prevention
Liver cirrhosis can be diagnosed through blood tests, imaging, and biopsy. Prevention involves:
- Avoiding alcohol
- Healthy diet
- Weight management
Once diagnosed, liver cirrhosis is irreversible, often necessitating a liver transplant, which fulfills less than 10% of the needs.
Key Takeaways
- Liver cirrhosis is irreversible liver damage.
- Symptoms worsen with disease progression.
- Liver transplant may be the last resort.
- Prevention through a healthy lifestyle is crucial.
References
Dr. Ruchika Singh
MBBS, MD
Radiologist