Overview
What Is Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is a condition where the liver becomes severely scarred by chronic (long-term) liver diseases.
Causes
What Are Other Causes of Cirrhosis? (Please note that there are more causes not listed here)
- Cystic fibrosis (build-up of thick sticky mucus in lungs and liver)
- Wilson's disease (build-up of copper in liver)
- Deficiency in Alpha-1 antitrypsin (protein that protects liver)
- Autoimmune liver disease (attack of liver by patient's antibodies)
- Certain medications (e.g. methotrexate, isoniazid)
Who Are at Risk of Cirrhosis?
- Heavy alcohol users: Excessive alcohol intake is the most common cause of liver cirrhosis.
- Hepatitis B or C virus carriers: These viruses attack the liver. They can be transmitted by sharing needles or having sex with people who are infected.
- Individuals with fatty liver disease: Those who are overweight and have diabetes are at a higher risk.
You may or may not experience the following symptoms:
- Swelling in the abdomen and legs
- Feeling of chest congestion (due to fluid build-up in the lungs)
- Vomiting blood (due to bleeding from blood vessels in the esophagus)
- Trouble getting enough sleep or sleeping too much
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
Prevention
Prevention
Detection & Treatment
How Is Cirrhosis Diagnosed?
Cirrhosis can be diagnosed from your symptoms, medical history, physical examination and the results of tests.
Common tests include:
- Blood test
- Ultrasound scan
- Fibroscan (measurement of liver stiffness
How Is Cirrhosis Treated?
Early Stages
Cirrhosis may be reversible if the underlying cause can be treated.
Advanced Stages
Cirrhosis is usually irreversible, and treatment may involve liver transplant.
Cirrhosis increases the risk of cancer. If you have cirrhosis, you are recommended to have an ultrasound scan every six months to check for signs of cancer.
Specialties & Services
