Symptoms of cirrhosis: Don't ignore these 7 early signs of liver damage

Symptoms of liver cirrhosis: If you're feeling drained all the time, it could be because your liver isn’t efficiently detoxifying your blood or processing nutrients (Image: Canva)

Your liver plays a crucial role in keeping your body healthy, and taking care of it should be a priority. Liver disease is silently creeping into more and more lives in India, and cirrhosis is one of the biggest culprits. The modern lifestyle that is replete with unhealthy diets, sedentary habits, and excessive alcohol consumption, is damaging your liver health at an alarming rate. The scary part is that cirrhosis is a slow, progressive condition that often goes unnoticed until a notable damage has already been done.

Cirrhosis happens when prolonged liver damage replaces healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, impairing its ability to function properly. Your liver detoxifies the blood, breaks down nutrients, and produces proteins for blood clotting. When cirrhosis sets in, it gradually compromises these vital functions. Dr Niteen Kumar, HOD & Consultant Liver Transplant and HPB Surgery, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, explains, “The leading causes of cirrhosis in India include excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis B and C infections, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The problem is that the symptoms often appear late, which is why regular health check-ups are vital for early detection.”

Cirrhosis can remain dormant for years, but when symptoms start showing, they signal significant liver damage. Dr Kumar suggests one should watch out for these 7 symptoms of cirrhosis:

Also read | Fatty liver: Watch out for these 10 symptoms of this liver disease

Diet tips to prevent cirrhosis: A liver-friendly diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar (Image: Canva)

• Persistent fatigue: If you're feeling drained all the time, it could be because your liver isn’t efficiently detoxifying your blood or processing nutrients.
• Unexplained unexplained weight loss: A damaged liver disrupts how the body stores and metabolizes nutrients, leading to unintentional weight loss.
• Jaundice, yellowing of skin and eyes: A failing liver struggles to remove bilirubin, a waste product, causing a yellowish tinge in the skin and eyes.
• Swollen belly and legs: Cirrhosis affects the liver’s ability to regulate fluids, leading to bloating in the stomach (ascites) and swelling in the legs (edema).
• Easy bruising and bleeding: Since the liver produces proteins that help blood clot, reduced production makes you prone to excessive bruising and bleeding.
• Constant itching: Bile salts build up under the skin when the liver isn't working well, causing relentless itching.
• Memory issues and confusion: Toxins that the liver fails to filter out start affecting brain function, leading to confusion, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating.

How to prevent cirrhosis:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can lead to fatty liver disease, increasing the risk of cirrhosis.
• Follow a balanced diet: A liver-friendly diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and supports overall liver function.
• Limit alcohol intake: Excessive drinking is one of the primary causes of cirrhosis. Moderation or complete abstinence can protect your liver.
• Prevent hepatitis infections: Get vaccinated for hepatitis B and practice safe hygiene to reduce the risk of hepatitis C.