Cirrhosis is a serious condition where the liver gets damaged and covered with scar tissue, making it difficult to work properly. Most people don’t notice any symptoms until the condition becomes quite advanced. When symptoms do show up, they usually include nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite, and stomach pain. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for cirrhosis at the moment, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and prevent further problems.
In the United States, about 1 in 400 people have cirrhosis. While anyone can develop it, it’s more common in people aged 45 to 54. Recognizing the symptoms and knowing when to see a doctor can help you manage your condition better.
In the early stages, cirrhosis usually doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. But as the liver gets more scarred, symptoms like nausea and fatigue can occur. If liver function continues to worsen, more serious complications might arise.
Cirrhosis is mainly caused by prolonged liver damage. This damage leads to inflammation and scar tissue formation, a process known as fibrosis, which eventually distorts the liver’s shape and impairs its function. Some common causes of this condition include excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis infections, and certain genetic conditions.
If you think you have symptoms of cirrhosis, it’s important to visit a healthcare provider for testing. During your appointment, your doctor will ask about your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle habits, and any medications you’re taking, followed by a physical examination. They might also run a variety of tests like liver biopsies, imaging, and blood tests to get an accurate diagnosis.
A liver biopsy involves taking a small sample of liver tissue to check for scarring. This is usually done by a healthcare professional using a thin needle under local anesthesia. Imaging tests can also be used to look for changes in the liver’s structure.
While there’s no specific treatment that cures cirrhosis, managing the condition’s root cause can slow its progression. Your doctor may suggest medications and lifestyle changes alike to prevent the condition from getting worse. Additionally, lifestyle adjustments can help ease symptoms and lessen the risk of complications.
In severe cases where the liver has extreme scarring or is barely functioning, a liver transplant might be considered. This option is generally reserved for when other treatments aren’t effective. Extensive testing is needed to ensure you’re a candidate for a transplant, and if it’s deemed appropriate, your doctor will coordinate with an organ-sharing organization to find a matching liver.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing cirrhosis. These include reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, and following your treatment plan closely. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are essential for keeping your condition under control and minimizing the risk of complications.
The life expectancy for someone with cirrhosis varies depending on the stage at diagnosis and the available treatment options. Those without symptoms can live 12 years or more, but for those with advanced cirrhosis, life expectancy can be as short as two years. Though cirrhosis can’t be reversed, you can slow its progression by avoiding alcohol, eating well, staying active, and sticking to your prescribed treatments.
