Liver cirrhosis is a serious disease that happens when healthy liver tissue is slowly replaced with scar tissue.
As more scarring develops, the liver cannot do its many important jobs as well. It becomes harder for the body to process food, medicines, hormones, and harmful substances.
If the damage continues, the liver can eventually fail, which can become life-threatening.
Cirrhosis has several common causes. These include drinking too much alcohol over many years, long-term hepatitis B or hepatitis C infections, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is becoming more common as obesity and type 2 diabetes increase.
Because the liver can keep working even after it has been damaged, many people do not know they have cirrhosis until it has already reached a serious stage.
Women may notice some symptoms differently from men because of differences in hormones and body chemistry.
Learning to recognize these early warning signs may help people seek medical care before the disease becomes more severe. The information comes from research published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.
One of the first signs is ongoing tiredness. This is not the normal tired feeling that improves after a good night’s sleep. Instead, it is a deep lack of energy that makes everyday activities much harder. Many people blame this on stress, getting older, or being busy, so it is often ignored.
Another important symptom is jaundice, which causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow. This happens because the damaged liver cannot remove bilirubin properly. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that forms when old red blood cells are broken down. As it builds up in the body, the skin and eyes change color.
In women, cirrhosis can also affect hormone levels. This may lead to irregular menstrual periods or cause periods to stop before menopause. While these changes can have many causes, they should not be ignored, especially if they happen together with other possible signs of liver disease.
Fluid build-up is another common problem. The liver makes a protein called albumin that helps keep fluid inside the blood vessels. When albumin levels fall, fluid can collect in the abdomen, causing swelling known as ascites. Swelling may also appear in the feet, ankles, and legs.
Digestive problems are also common. Many people lose their appetite, feel sick to their stomach, or lose weight without trying. As the liver becomes less able to process nutrients, maintaining a healthy weight becomes more difficult.
The liver also produces proteins that help blood clot. When the liver is badly damaged, people may bruise more easily or bleed for longer after small cuts or bumps. This can sometimes be one of the first obvious signs that the liver is not working properly.
In advanced cirrhosis, harmful substances that are normally removed by the liver can build up in the bloodstream and reach the brain. This condition, called hepatic encephalopathy, can cause confusion, poor memory, mood changes, trouble concentrating, and personality changes. Without treatment, these symptoms can become much more serious.
Doctors say early diagnosis is very important because treatment may slow the disease, prevent complications, and in some cases improve liver health.
Anyone who notices lasting tiredness, yellow skin or eyes, swelling, unusual bruising, changes in menstrual cycles, or confusion should speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Finding cirrhosis early gives people the best chance to protect their liver and improve their quality of life.
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