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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/bruising-Ankle.jpg\")
Cirrhosis refers to scarring of the liver that occurs as a response to the damage of this organ. The liver is the only visceral organ that has the ability to regenerate itself, which means that every time it is damaged, it attempts to repair itself. During the regeneration process, scar tissue forms. The more scar tissue present, the greater the risk of cirrhosis. Eventually, the presence of too much scar tissue prevents the liver from functioning properly.<\/p>\n
There are several reasons why cirrhosis of the liver can develop, including:<\/p>\n
Cirrhosis can lead to several complications which can ultimately lead to liver failure and death. There are several signs that are associated with cirrhosis of the liver. It\u2019s important to be aware of these signs so that proper medical treatment can be administered.<\/p>\n
As cirrhosis<\/a> progresses, the scar tissue in the liver also progresses. The more scar tissue within the liver, the less the liver is able to function properly. The liver is responsible for completing several vital functions. One of the jobs of this organ is creating proteins that are necessary for blood clotting. As the scar tissue advances, the liver may not be able to produce those blood clotting proteins. As a result, you may end up experiencing easy bruising and bleeding.<\/p>\n For example, a slight bump can cause the development of a massive bruise or a shaving knick can cause severe bleeding. There are several other conditions that can cause easy bleeding and bruising. Some autoimmune diseases, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a condition that impacts platelet formation, cause bleeding, and bruising. Any condition that causes easy bleeding and bruising require immediate medical care.<\/p>\n Ascites<\/a> is a condition that is used to describe fluid retention in the abdominal region. The organs that are located in the abdomen are contained within a membrane that is known as peritoneum. Under normal conditions, this membrane contains a small amount of fluid. However, levels can increase as a result of a number of conditions, including cirrhosis of the liver.<\/p>\n As the scar tissue associated with cirrhosis increases, the liver loses its ability to function properly, including the ability to produce the proteins that are necessary to retain fluid within the bloodstream. This fluid collects in the abdominal cavity and eventually leads to swelling. As cirrhosis progresses, swelling can appear in other areas, as well, such as the legs, ankles, and feet. If you notice swelling in your abdomen, make sure that you see your doctor determine if cirrhosis is the cause. <\/p>\n If you ever spot blood in your vomit, you should seek immediate medical attention, as it is a sign of a serious problem. If you have cirrhosis of the liver, there is a chance that you could end up experiencing variceal bleeding; bleeding that occurs within the lining of the stomach and the esophagus. Cirrhosis causes high blood pressure in the veins that transport blood from the intestines to the liver (known as portal hypertension<\/a>).<\/p>\n This can lead to many problems, including variceal bleeding. The existence of enlarged veins doesn\u2019t present symptoms until it progresses to a point where it causes the walls of the veins to expand so much that they thin out. High pressure pushing through weak veins can cause a rupture, which can lead to bleeding. The blood within the esophagus and stomach can lead to nausea, which can lead to vomit that contains blood.<\/p>\n Jaundice is a condition that results when the body is unable to metabolize and dispose of old blood cells within the body. These blood cells contain a byproduct known as bilirubin. Bilirubin<\/a> is yellowish in color and when the body is unable to dispose of it, it will collect in the bloodstream. This results in the development of yellow pigmentation in the eyes and skin.<\/p>\n One of the many roles of the liver is to dispose of bilirubin; however, when it is damaged by cirrhosis, this byproduct accumulates and makes its way back into the bloodstream. As more bilirubin moves into the bloodstream, its yellow pigmentation will be visible on the skin, in the whites of the eyes, or both. The yellow coloring can be mild and slightly noticeable, or it can be dark and very obvious. Jaundice is a common symptom of cirrhosis. <\/p>\n There are several things that can cause the skin to become itchy, such as an allergic reaction, dry skin, wearing clothing that irritates the skin, and certain types of illnesses, such as chickenpox<\/a> that produce an itchy rash. When most people have itchy skin, cirrhosis of the liver is probably one of the last things they think of; however, it is not uncommon for patients who have this condition to experience itchy skin.<\/p>\n The production of bile is one of the primary functions of the liver, which aids in the digestion of fats. When the liver is functioning properly, the bile is created is transported to the gallbladder, where it is stored and used for digestion. However, if the liver is injured, the bile it creates can be deposited in the skin. These bile deposits can lead to intense itching that can come on suddenly. <\/p>\n The liver and the gallbladder play very important roles in the process of digestion. Under normal circumstances, the liver creates bile, and that bile is transported to the gallbladder, where it is stored and empty into the small intestine during the process of digestion. However, if the liver is damaged, issues with the development and transport of bile to the gallbladder can arise.<\/p>\n Though the exact relationship between gallstones and cirrhosis is unknown, it is believed to be related to the liver’s inability to breakdown red blood cells as a result of scar tissue. Gallstones can obstruct the flow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder, which can result in various symptoms. The symptoms may be mild, or they can cause sudden and intense abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting<\/a>. Gallstones can be treated; however, the damage to the liver as a result of cirrhosis cannot. <\/p>\n Many patients who are diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver experience mental confusion. They feel as if their brains are \u201ccloudy\u201d and that they cannot recall certain things that they would otherwise have no problem recalling. For instance, they may forget people\u2019s names, where they are, or how to do menial tasks that they never had an issue with before. The mental confusion that is associated with cirrhosis of the liver is said to be similar to the mental confusion caused by Alzheimer\u2019<\/a>s disease.<\/p>\n High levels of scar tissue in the liver can lead to heightened levels of copper in the bloodstream, and that copper is then transported to the brain. High levels of copper in the brain can disrupt its normal processes and lead to mental confusion. Typically, this is a symptom of advanced cirrhosis of the liver, so typically other symptoms are experienced before mental confusion.<\/p>\n The liver is responsible for many different functions that are vital to your overall health and well being. One of the most important jobs of this organ is to detoxify the body. It metabolizes various elements that are both naturally occurring, as well as those that enter the body as a result of things that you ingest, including medications. The liver filters metabolizes and get rid of the various components that medications contain.<\/p>\n If the liver isn\u2019t functioning properly as a result of cirrhosis, you could end up experiencing adverse reactions to any medicine that you take. Namely, the side effects that are associated with certain medicines will be heightened. For example, if you are taking a medicine that can cause nausea, you could experience an intense upset stomach that could lead to vomiting, or if a medication can cause drowsiness<\/a>, you may become extremely sleepy.<\/p>\n Many patients who suffer from cirrhosis of the liver experience changes to their bowel movements. Namely, their stools can become dark or black in color. They can also have a tar-like texture. These changes are the result of portal hypertension, a side effect of cirrhosis of the liver. Portal hypertension refers to heightened blood pressure in the portal venous system \u2013 veins that stem from the intestines, stomach, pancreas<\/a>, and spleen \u2013 and connect to the liver.<\/p>\n If the vessels within the liver are blocked as a result of scar tissue caused by cirrhosis, blood cannot efficiently flow through the liver. As a result, blood can accumulate in the intestines and makes its way out of the body through stools, which have an altered appearance. Dark, tar-like stools are a major cause for concern. They can be a symptom of several conditions, including cirrhosis of the liver.<\/p>\n If you are suffering from cirrhosis<\/a> of the liver, you may start to notice the appearance of odd-shaped spots on your skin. These spots will look similar to a spider web and are fittingly referred to as \u201cspider angiomas\u201d. There will be a red circular spot in the middle and lines will extend outward. Spider angiomas are caused by swollen blood vessels that have become trapped beneath the surface of the skin.<\/p>\n These spots are actually not uncommon, as people who are perfectly healthy can experience them. However, if you have several spider angiomas, it could be a sign of cirrhosis. The liver produces proteins that help the blood clot. If the liver isn\u2019t functioning properly, the production of these proteins can be inhibited, which will affect clotting and could lead to the development of spider angiomas, particularly on the torso region.<\/p>\n If you suddenly notice that you are becoming ill more frequently, it\u2019s a sign that your immune system has been compromised. The immune system is responsible for protecting the body from bacteria and viruses that cause illnesses and infections. When this system spots a foreign antigen, it creates an inflammatory response as a way to attack the antigen<\/a>. If you are suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, your immune system\u2019s ability to respond to illnesses and infections may be compromised.<\/p>\n The liver plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system. It houses immune cells in their active state that plays a big part in the response of the immune system. Scar tissue in the liver can affect these immune cells, and thus affect the immune system\u2019s ability to respond to illnesses and infections, leaving you more susceptible to pathogens that enter your body.<\/p>\n If you are suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, you could experience a marked decrease in your appetite<\/a>. As scar tissue develops in the liver, it becomes enlarged. Since this organ is situated so close to the stomach, as it becomes larger in size, it can push on the stomach, leaving less space in it, thus making you feel full. Additionally, patients who have cirrhosis can also experience a decrease in appetite because of the important role the liver plays in the digestive process.<\/p>\n It produces bile and other elements that help break down fats and proteins. If the organ isn\u2019t functioning properly, the production of these digestive elements can end up making you feel sick to your stomach when you eat. Typically, a loss of appetite is a symptom that is associated with advanced cirrhosis, and in severe cases, it can lead to malnutrition.<\/p>\n In addition to experiencing a loss of appetite, many patients who suffer from cirrhosis of the liver also experience nausea. Cirrhosis occurs as a result of scar tissue buildup in the liver. As the condition advances, the scar tissue will eventually replace healthy tissue and leave tiny bumps on the surface of the organ. These bumps can cause blockages, which can eventually cause the bile that the liver produces to back up into the organ.<\/p>\n Bile<\/a> plays a crucial role in the digestion process. If the stomach isn\u2019t receiving the bile that it needs to digest food, nausea can result. Additionally, the backup of bile in the liver itself can also lead to feelings of nausea. Furthermore, the damage to the digestive system caused by cirrhosis of the liver can also lead to indigestion and acid reflux, which can also lead to the development of an upset stomach. <\/p>\n Patients who are suffering from cirrhosis of the liver often experience fatigue. This fatigue can be intense, debilitating, and can affect their ability to function normally. The cause of this intense fatigue stems from the damage that cirrhosis causes to the liver. This damage impacts the liver\u2019s ability to perform its normal functions, including the production of bile, the productions of proteins that aid in blood clotting, metabolizing and getting rid of toxins<\/a> and other elements, and creating binding proteins for sex hormones.<\/p>\n The damaged caused by scar tissue in the liver can lead the liver to attempt to work on overdrive so that it can perform these functions, which can lead to intense tiredness and even lethargy Though fatigue is a symptom that is associated with various conditions, it is also a common symptom of cirrhosis, so make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor. The liver is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. If it becomes damaged for any reason, it can become inflamed, and that inflammation can lead to pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. Since cirrhosis causes the development of scar tissue in the liver, and that scar tissue replaces healthy tissue, it can cause inflammation<\/a> in the organ.<\/p>\n As the organ inflames, it can push on nerve receptors and create a painful sensation in the part of the body where it is located. The abdominal pain that is associated with cirrhosis of the liver is can range from a dull, constant ache, to an intense, stabbing pain that comes and goes. It can also extend into the back and up to the right shoulder. If you are experiencing pain in your abdomen, it\u2019s important to have a physical exam.<\/p>\n\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Bloating_Ovarian-Cyst.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n2. The presence of ascites<\/h3>\n
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3. Vomiting blood<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Jaundice.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n4. The development of jaundice<\/h3>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Ringworm_new.jpg\")
5. Itchy skin<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Gallbladder-Contractions.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n6. The development of gallstones<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Getting-Lost.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n7. Confusion<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/medication.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n8. Reactions to medications<\/h3>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Diarrhea_new.jpg\")
9. Darkened stools<\/h3>\n\u00a0<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Angioma-2.jpg\")
10. Oddly shaped spots on the skin<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Sinus-Infection.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n11. Increased illnesses or infections<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Weight-Loss_-Arthritis.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n12. Loss of appetite<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Upset-Stomach-or-Nausea.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n13. Upset stomach<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Tiredness.jpg\")
<\/h4>\n14. Extreme fatigue<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Abdominal-Pain.jpg\")
<\/p>\n15. Pain in the abdominal region<\/h3>\n
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