What is liver cirrhosis, causes and symptoms of this chronic condition, expert tips to prevent

Cirrhosis occurs when the liver experiences long-term damage and becomes irreversibly scarred. (Image: Canva)

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic, progressive condition in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, known as fibrosis. This gradual deterioration in liver function can eventually lead to liver failure. The liver plays a vital role in the body, such as detoxifying the blood, producing important proteins, and regulating blood clotting. Cirrhosis can be life-threatening if left untreated. Dr Vishal Khurana, Senior Gastroenterologist at Doctor81 Clinic, Sector 81, Faridabad, explores the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies for liver cirrhosis.

What is cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis occurs when the liver experiences long-term damage and becomes irreversibly scarred. While the liver has a remarkable ability to heal itself, repeated injury can lead to the replacement of healthy liver cells with scar tissue. As damage accumulates, the liver's ability to carry out its essential functions becomes compromised. This scarring also restricts blood flow through the liver, worsening the condition. In severe cases, liver cirrhosis can lead to liver failure.

Causes of liver cirrhosis

Several factors can contribute to liver cirrhosis, including:

Chronic alcohol consumption: Prolonged and excessive alcohol use is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis. Alcohol damages liver cells, and continued drinking leads to inflammation and scarring, impairing liver function over time.

Hepatitis B and C: These viral infections are significant contributors to cirrhosis. Hepatitis B and C attack the liver, causing chronic inflammation that can lead to scarring and cirrhosis if untreated.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): NAFLD is increasingly common, especially in regions with high rates of obesity and diabetes. This condition results in fat accumulation in the liver, which can trigger inflammation and scarring.

Autoimmune hepatitis: This condition occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells, causing chronic inflammation that can eventually lead to cirrhosis if left untreated.

Wilson’s disease: A rare genetic disorder, Wilson’s disease causes an abnormal buildup of copper in various organs, including the liver. This excessive copper can damage liver cells and lead to cirrhosis.

Medications and toxins: Long-term exposure to certain medications and toxins can overwhelm the liver’s ability to detoxify, leading to liver cell damage and cirrhosis over time.

Recognising the symptoms

In the early stages, cirrhosis may not present any noticeable symptoms, as the liver can continue functioning despite ongoing damage. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms become more apparent, including:

• Persistent weakness and fatigue.
• Unexplained weight loss due to reduced appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
• Fluid retention, leading to swelling in the legs (oedema) or fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites).
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) due to the liver’s inability to process bilirubin.
• Easy bruising and bleeding, possibly resulting in blood in the stool or vomit.
• Mental confusion and tremors caused by the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream (hepatic encephalopathy).
• Dark, tarry stools, may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding from enlarged veins (varices) in the oesophagus or stomach.

Treatment for cirrhosis

• Although cirrhosis cannot be cured, several treatments can help manage the condition, prevent complications, and slow its progression. Treatment depends on the cause and stage of cirrhosis.
• For alcoholic cirrhosis, the most important step is to completely stop drinking alcohol, which can slow or halt disease progression.
• In cases of cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B or C, antiviral medications can reduce liver inflammation and damage.
• NAFLD is managed by controlling diabetes, losing weight, and reducing cholesterol levels to protect the liver.
• Autoimmune hepatitis is treated with immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
• Wilson’s disease is treated with medications that help remove excess copper from the body.
• In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary if the liver is no longer able to function.

Preventing cirrhosis starts with avoiding risk factors that cause liver damage. Key steps include limiting alcohol consumption, getting vaccinated against hepatitis, maintaining a healthy weight, and undergoing regular liver screenings. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in managing cirrhosis and improving the quality of life for patients. By raising awareness about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for liver cirrhosis, we can empower individuals to take control of their liver health.