What is Cirrhosis of the Liver?

Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue due to long-term inflammation, commonly caused by chronic hepatitis.

This scarring prevents blood flow, limits bile production, and interferes with the liver’s essential functions, such as filtering toxins.

Over time, these disruptions lead to chronic liver failure.

Although the damage from cirrhosis is irreversible, early intervention and lifestyle changes can slow the disease’s progression.

Are There Stages of Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis progresses in two main stages:

• Compensated
• Decompensated.

In compensated cirrhosis, the liver maintains some function despite initial damage, and symptoms may be mild or unnoticeable.

As the disease progresses, it reaches the decompensated stage, where liver function significantly declines, leading to more visible and severe symptoms, such as

• Jaundice
• Abdominal swelling (ascites)
• Fatigue.

Identifying cirrhosis early and making lifestyle adjustments can help maintain liver function longer.

How Does Cirrhosis Affect the Body?

Cirrhosis causes scar tissue to block blood flow through the liver, resulting in portal hypertension (elevated pressure in the liver’s primary vein).

This leads to symptoms like abdominal swelling, digestive difficulties, easy bruising, and internal bleeding.

As the liver fails to function normally, other systems are affected, which can result in

• Cognitive changes
• Poor immune response
• Difficulties processing nutrients.

Life-threatening complications include

• Kidney failure
• Severe internal bleeding
• Liver cancer.

What Causes Cirrhosis and Who is at Risk?

The leading causes of cirrhosis include:

• Chronic heavy alcohol use.
• Viral hepatitis (especially Hepatitis B and C).
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Less common causes include

• Autoimmune liver diseases
• Genetic disorders
• Long-term exposure to certain medications or toxins.

Risk factors for cirrhosis include

• Age
• Chronic alcohol use
• Viral hepatitis infections
• Metabolic conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol

Early recognition of liver disease and preventive care can help reduce the risk of cirrhosis.

Can Cirrhosis Be Reversed? How is it Treated?

Cirrhosis causes permanent liver damage, but in its early stages, treatment can slow progression.

Treatment strategies focus on managing the underlying causes and symptoms, such as using antiviral medications for hepatitis or adopting a healthy diet to control fatty liver disease.

In severe cases where the liver can no longer function adequately, a liver transplant may be required.

Regular monitoring, a balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol and other toxins are essential to improve the quality of life with cirrhosis.

Take Control of Your Liver Health

If you’re experiencing symptoms or are at risk for liver disease, don’t delay seeking care. Consult a liver specialist to assess your condition and explore the best treatment options for comprehensive gastro care. Early intervention can help manage cirrhosis and improve your long-term health.