Cirrhosis

Researchers estimate that about 1 in 400 adults in the United States have cirrhosis.1 Researchers believe the actual numbers may be higher than that because many people with cirrhosis are not diagnosed. Many people with early stages of cirrhosis may not be diagnosed if they have few symptoms or do not feel ill.

Who is more likely to develop cirrhosis?

People are more likely to develop cirrhosis if they have health conditions that can cause cirrhosis. 

Cirrhosis is also more common in people who

· have a history of heavy alcohol use 

· have overweight or obesity

· have type 2 diabetes

· are men

· are age 40 or older

What are the complications of cirrhosis?

As the liver fails, complications may develop. In some people, complications may be the first sign they have cirrhosis.

Portal hypertension

Portal hypertension is a serious problem caused by cirrhosis and can lead to some of the most common complications of cirrhosis. Portal hypertension occurs when scar tissue in the liver slows the normal flow of blood, which causes high blood pressure in the portal vein. The portal vein is the large blood vessel that carries blood from the stomach, intestines, spleen, gallbladder, and pancreas to the liver.

When portal hypertension reaches a certain level, it can cause complications, such as

· buildup of fluid in the abdomen or belly, called ascites. Ascites can lead to a serious infection—called peritonitis —in the space that surrounds the liver and intestines.

· swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, called edema.

· enlarged veins—called varices—in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. These varices can lead to internal bleeding if the veins burst.

· confusion or difficulty thinking caused by a buildup of toxins in the brain, called hepatic encephalopathy.

Infections

Cirrhosis increases your chance of getting bacterial infections NIH external link, such as urinary tract infections and pneumonia 

Liver cancer

Cirrhosis increases the chance of getting liver cancer NIH external link.3 Most people who develop liver cancer already have cirrhosis.

Liver failure

Cirrhosis may eventually lead to liver failure, also called end-stage liver disease. With liver failure, the liver is badly damaged and stops working. People with liver failure may require a liver transplant.

Other complications

Other complications of cirrhosis may include

· bone diseases, such as osteoporosis NIH external link

· gallstones

· problems with the bile ducts—the tubes that carry bile out of the liver

· malabsorption and malnutrition

· bruising and bleeding easily

· falls

· sensitivity to medicines

· insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

Cirrhosis is considered a disease of the liver, specifically a chronic liver disease where extensive scarring replaces healthy liver tissue, preventing the liver from functioning normally; essentially, it reflects the most severe stage of liver damage, signifying long-term damage to the organ. 

Key points about cirrhosis:

· Definition:

Cirrhosis is characterized by the formation of scar tissue within the liver, which disrupts its normal function. 

· Progression:

It is considered the end-stage of liver disease, occurring after prolonged damage from conditions like hepatitis B and C, excessive alcohol consumption, or fatty liver disease. 

· Severity indicator:

As the scarring progresses, the liver's ability to perform its functions becomes increasingly impaired, highlighting the severity of the liver damage. 

When someone develops cirrhosis, their liver becomes severely scarred, preventing it from functioning properly, which can lead to a range of complications including fatigue, weight loss, jaundice (yellowing skin), abdominal swelling, bleeding from enlarged veins, confusion, and ultimately, liver failure if left untreated; essentially, the liver can no longer effectively filter toxins from the blood, causing serious health issues. 

Key points about cirrhosis:

· Scarring:

Cirrhosis is characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, which disrupts the liver's normal blood flow and function. 

· Symptoms:

Early symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, while later stages can manifest with jaundice, abdominal swelling (ascites), easy bruising, and mental confusion (hepatic encephalopathy). 

· Complications:

Cirrhosis can lead to serious complications like portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the liver veins), esophageal varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus that can bleed), and an increased risk of liver cancer.

Cirrhosis of the liver often has no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they can include: 

· Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak

· Weight loss: Losing weight and muscle mass

· Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up

· Itchy skin: Feeling an intense itchiness on your skin

· Jaundice: Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

· Swelling: Swelling in your legs, feet, ankles, or abdomen

· Bruising and bleeding: Bruising or bleeding easily

· Spider angiomas: Tiny red blood vessels that look like spiders on your skin, usually above the waist

· Red palms: Redness on the palms of your hands

· Dark urine: Urine that is dark orange, amber, cola-colored, or brown

· Gastrointestinal bleeding: Vomiting blood or passing very dark or black stools

· Confusion or drowsiness: Feeling confused or drowsy

Cirrhosis is a chronic condition that can lead to liver failure if left untreated. Treatments include medications, lifestyle changes, and in advanced cases, a liver transplant.