Liver Cirrhosis in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is liver cirrhosis?
The liver is an organ that performs a multitude of essential jobs in the body, like metabolizing fat and filtering the blood of harmful toxins. Liver cirrhosis, also known as hepatic cirrhosis, describes the disease that occurs when the liver is inflamed and scarred from issues such as chronic alcohol abuse and late-stage liver disease. As additional scar tissue develops, the ability of the liver to function correctly continues to decrease. The various grades of severity surrounding liver cirrhosis are classified into four distinct stages.
Stage 1: Some scarring of the liver, but there are not many symptoms, and no complications have occurred
Stage 2: Additional symptoms develop, including swollen and enlarged veins and hypertension in the portal vein around the liver (known as portal hypertension)
Stage 3: Symptoms include advanced scarring of the liver and swelling in the abdomen, accompanied by significant complications and the potential for liver failure
Stage 4: At this stage, liver cirrhosis can be deadly without a liver transplant
Our GI providers at Digestive Health Center can diagnose, address, and help you manage liver problems. To get treatment for liver cirrhosis in Ocean Springs, MS, request a consultation with a member of our team today.
What are the causes of liver cirrhosis?
There is a multitude of reasons why a liver can become scarred, which can lead to the development of cirrhosis. These factors can involve:
- Obesity
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Wilson’s disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Viral liver infections (hepatitis B & C)
- Infection
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Liver disease caused by autoimmune hepatitis
- Sugar metabolism disorders
- Alcohol use disorder
- Abnormal formation of bile ducts
- Certain medications
- Destruction of the bile ducts
- Iron accumulation in the body
- Genetic digestive conditions
Contact the gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Center if you have liver concerns and require treatment. Our skills and experience can guide you in the ideal direction for personalized care.
What are the signs of liver cirrhosis?
The beginning stages of liver cirrhosis may not present with any symptoms, but the first indicators you may feel could include exhaustion, weakness, and appetite loss. As the condition continues to advance, some of the signs and symptoms may involve:
- Veins that are spider web-like in appearance
- Swelling in the legs
- Swollen abdomen
- Unexpected weight loss or gain
- Cramping of muscles
- Itchiness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes)
- Vomiting
- Brownish urine
- Redness of the palms
- Bruise or bleed easily
- Blood in the stool
- Fever
- Nausea or queasiness
What are the treatment options for liver cirrhosis?
Damage and scarring to the liver cannot be reversed, but it can often still work even if two-thirds has been damaged or removed. Some of the treatment protocols the Digestive Health Center providers might recommend to boost liver function include:
- Prevention of additional liver damage
- Vaccination for hepatitis A and B
- Antiviral medications for hepatitis B and C
- Liver transplant
- Avoiding specific medications (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.)
- Targeting the unique concerns surrounding your cirrhosis
Are there any complications of liver cirrhosis?
A patient's liver is responsible for a vital job in the body, and any amount of injury or damage caused to the liver will negatively impact its ability to function as expected. Potential complications related to cirrhosis of the liver are:
- Liver cancer
- Hepatic encephalopathy (the aggregation of toxins in the bloodstream causing brain damage)
- Bacterial peritonitis (inflammation of the abdomen wall)
- Hypersplenism (overactive splenic function)
Get personalized treatment for liver health
Scarring of the liver can affect your health and life in several aspects. At Digestive Health Center, we aim to help you enjoy a life where additional liver damage can be avoided. To receive treatment for liver cirrhosis in Ocean Springs, MS, request an appointment with one of our local GI providers in your community today.
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