The liver plays a major role in the human body because it performs many vital functions, such as producing bile, which helps the body absorb vitamins, dietary fats, and cholesterol, and removes toxins from the blood. It also helps form blood clotting proteins, and stores sugar and vitamins for the body. So exposure to liver disease, is harmful to many functional tasks. And because cirrhosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is necessary to know What are the symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver Its causes and how it can be diagnosed and treated.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis occurs when the liver is exposed to some harmful factors such as chronic viral infections or alcohol consumption for long periods of time. Which pushes the liver to work in order to restore its cells, and with the continuation of these attempts, scars form.

The more severe the cirrhosis, the more scarring the liver causes, which causes it to lose its ability to function properly. According to one study, about 6% to 7% of the world’s population suffers from cirrhosis, and they may not realize it until after the condition develops.

Symptoms of cirrhosis

Symptoms of cirrhosis usually do not appear until the condition is advanced. In the event that symptoms appear, they may differ from one person to another, according to their severity and the development of the condition Symptoms of cirrhosis are:

• Easy bruising
• jaundice
• Fatigue and drowsiness
• Nausea
• Anorexia
• Weight loss
• swollen feet
• feeling itchy
• Menopause or irregularity in women
• Gynecomastia or loss of sexual desire in men
• The appearance of spider-like blood vessels on the skin
• Flatulence due to fluid collecting in the abdominal cavity (ascites)

degrees of cirrhosis

The early stages of liver disease begin with the appearance of symptoms of hepatitis, which can be treated, but if the condition is neglected, and the liver is exposed to cirrhosis, with complications of the condition, this may lead to the patient’s exposure to liver failure, and the only treatment in that case becomes a liver transplant. .

The degrees of cirrhosis include the following stages:

1. The first stage: At that stage, some scarring occurs in the liver, which may not be accompanied by any symptoms, or the appearance of some mild symptoms.
2. The second phase: The percentage of scarring increases in the liver, with exacerbation of blood pressure, and varicose veins.
3. third level: Symptoms of abdominal swelling and distention (ascites), advanced liver scarring, with serious complications, and an increased risk of liver failure.
4. The fourth stage: This stage is life-threatening, if a liver transplant is not performed for the patient.

Causes of cirrhosis

After we got to know the symptoms of cirrhosis, it is important to know the most common causes of cirrhosis, including:

1. Excessive drinking of alcohol.
2. Inflammation caused by immunodeficiency diseases.
3. Buildup of iron, copper, or fat in the liver.
4. Hardening or destruction of the bile ducts.
5. Infection, such as brucellosis or syphilis.
6. Obesity, which poses a risk by itself or in combination with other causes.
7. Take some medications such as acetaminophen, methotrexate, isoniazid, some antidepressants, and some antibiotics.

Some liver diseases may also lead to cirrhosis, including:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Which is the most common cause of cirrhosis.
• Alcoholic fatty liver disease: It is caused by consuming alcohol for long periods of time.
• Hepatitis C: Which can be transmitted through contaminated blood, unlawful sex, or using contaminated tools such as needles, tattoos, and intravenous drug use. According to estimates by the World Health Organization, there are more than 185 million people in the world infected with the C virus.
• Hepatitis BWhich can lead to hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Diagnostic methods

In the case of early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, the underlying condition can be treated, thus limiting the spread of cirrhosis. Diagnosis begins with the doctor asking about the medical history and conducting a physical examination. A physical examination may show Some tags like:

• pale skin
• hand jerk
• yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Enlarged liver or spleen
• Gynecomastia in men
• Malnutrition
• Loss of ability to focus

Analysis of the percentage of liver cirrhosis

Some analyzes and tests may help determine the extent of liver cirrhosis. Examples of such tests are:

• Complete blood test
• Analysis of enzyme levels (ALT)
• Analysis of enzyme levels (AST)
• Analysis of enzyme levels (ALP)
• MRI
• Ultrasound examination
• Albumin analysis: A low level of albumin (a protein made by the liver) in the blood indicates cirrhosis.
• Bilirubin analysis: Bilirubin Test is used to check the levels of bilirubin in the blood.
• Coagulation tests (PT): The prothrombin time is tested to measure how quickly the blood is clotting.

In the event that cirrhosis of the liver is confirmed, the doctor may request periodic analyzes in order to follow up the degree of cirrhosis development in order to prevent complications from the condition such as esophageal varices or liver cancer.

Medicines to treat cirrhosis

The doctor determines treatment options after determining the underlying cause. This is in order to try to treat the underlying disease, and reduce the progression of the condition. The doctor may also prescribe anti-fibrotics according to the underlying medical condition. Some of these types of treatments are:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which help relax blood vessels and arteries, such as benazepril.
• The use of extended-release interferon with ribavirin for the treatment of hepatitis C virus.
• The doctor may prescribe some types of medications to relieve associated symptoms such as fatigue and pain, and may also prescribe nutritional supplements to treat malnutrition associated with cirrhosis.

Herbal cirrhosis treatment

Some tend to search for natural remedies to treat some pathological conditions, but in the case of cirrhosis of the liver, it is indispensable to take the medications prescribed by the doctor. Some research has shown the possibility of using some types of herbs to enhance liver health and combat liver disorders. Among those herbs:

1. Milk thistle

Researchers found that eating milk thistle reduced the number of deaths related to liver disease. As its use can limit damage to liver cells and may help reduce infections related to hepatitis C.

2. Turmeric

The results of some preliminary research indicated the effectiveness of turmeric extract in the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus, as it helps to reduce the spread of the virus.

3. Burdock

Laboratory and animal studies have found that burdock has contributed to reducing alcohol-induced liver damage.

Notice: It is not recommended to use medicinal herbs without consulting a doctor first, to find out the appropriate types for each case, and to avoid any possible side effects.

Does cirrhosis cause death?

The researchers found that the death rate increased among cases with cirrhosis of the liver with high biochemical activity, a clear change in the structure of the liver, ascites, and other signs resulting from a poor diagnosis of the status of the condition.

The main causes of death for some patients with cirrhosis are liver failure with gastrointestinal bleeding, primary hepatocellular carcinoma, cardiovascular disease, extrahepatic malignancy, and other liver-related causes.

How to prevent liver disease

The risk of liver disease can be reduced by following some important steps, such as:

1. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
2. Avoid using tools suspected of being contaminated, such as needles used for tattooing.
3. Keep personal items clean.
4. Follow personal hygiene habits such as washing hands, and keeping food and drink safe.
5. Take medications wisely, when needed and in accordance with recommended doses.
6. Get rid of excess weight, and follow a healthy diet.
7. Protect the face and skin when using pesticides and cleaning products or when using toxic chemicals.
8. Maintaining sports activities.
9. Use caution when taking nutritional supplements and consult your doctor to find out what is right for you.

Now that you know the symptoms of cirrhosis and their most important causes, you should take care of your health, and consult a doctor when any of the aforementioned symptoms appear, to receive timely treatment.