Liver cirrhosis is a disease that attacks the liver. This disease arises when the liver fails to function correctly. Cirrhosis is commonly found in adults and mostly men. However, there are some factors that can promote the occurrence of liver cirrhosis. Those factors include chronic alcoholism and hepatitis disease. According to research, when the liver gets infected by hepatitis or alcohol, it develops sores that spread all over. The liver tries to repair itself, but when the disease and the alcohol consumption persist, the power to repair goes down. Liver cirrhosis is very infectious and dangerous. San Antonio cirrhosis specialists are the best you can visit for diagnosis and treatment of liver cirrhosis.
The Primary Signs and Symptoms of cirrhosis Disease
There are many signs and symptoms that can occur when you are attacked by liver cirrhosis. According to liver specialists, no signs and symptoms appear until the disease is extensive. They include;
- Swelling in your hands, legs, and ankles
- Itchy skin
- Weight loss
- The skin appears yellow, including the eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Kidney failure
- Spider veins in the skin that can be seen from outside
If you are affected with liver cirrhosis, you can have most of the above signs and symptoms. According to research, liver cirrhosis occurs in stages, and some certain symptoms are prevalent in those stages. Below are the stages of liver cirrhosis.
What are the Stages of Cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis has stages of infection. When the disease becomes severe, it becomes untreatable, and it can lead to death.
- Stage 1 cirrhosis. During this stage, your liver may show a little scarring or sores. No symptoms in this stage can be rated dangerous.
- Stage 2 cirrhosis. Cirrhosis in stage two becomes a bit dangerous. Severe hypertension is prevalent in this stage. Spider veins can also be seen at the back of your legs.
- Stage 3 cirrhosis. In this stage, your liver has severe scarring that can be seen all over. Swelling in the abdomen, legs, and hands is also present. During stage three, the liver can permanently fail to work.
- Stage 4 cirrhosis. Stage four cirrhosis is life-threatening and dangerous. Your skin may start losing color, and you can become yellow. The only treatment solution is a liver transplant. Additionally, death can also occur suddenly.
The Causes of Liver Cirrhosis
Despite excessive alcohol and hepatitis, there are other causes of cirrhosis disease. They include;
- Consumption of medication such as methotrexate or isoniazid
- Presence of sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis
- Bile duct problems (primary biliary cirrhosis)
- Genetic digestive disorder
- More fat in the liver
- Excess copper in the liver
- Liver diseases caused by the body’s immune system
- Deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin
- Cystic fibrosis
Many people across the world have developed liver cirrhosis without knowing. However, the best way to handle cirrhosis diseases before it severely attacks is by early diagnosis and treatment. Digestive & Liver Disease Center of San Antonio PLLC center is the best you can consult for cirrhosis treatment.