Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure, which will eventually cause the liver to stop working - resulting in devastating and potentially life-threatening consequences.
The condition usually takes years to reach this stage, and while treatment can help slow its progression, there is currently no cure available.
In the UK, most causes of cirrhosis are due to excessive drinking over the years, being infected with hepatitis over a long period of time, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which is a more severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Symptoms may not be apparent in the early stages of cirrhosis, however, as the liver becomes more damaged, six unusual tell-tale signs may be apparent.
According to Crossroads Hospice, when a person’s liver disease reaches cirrhosis, the damage has become irreversible and is a terminal diagnosis.
When a liver is damaged by cirrhosis it isn't able to clear toxins from the blood as well as a healthy liver can.
These toxins then build up in the brain causing mental confusion and difficulty concentrating.
People with cirrhosis have a life expectancy between six and 20 years, warns Medicine.net.
The health body, which offers end-to-life hospice services to patients, lists the signs indicating you may be experiencing cirrhosis:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Itching
The NHS explains that when a healthcare provider discusses cirrhosis it usually indicates “end-stage liver disease”.
A diagnosis further confirming this would include blood tests, scans and a liver biopsy.
If cirrhosis is determined then you may be referred to a hepatologist.
There is currently no cure for extensive liver damage, so treatment will focus primarily on helping to manage the symptoms and attempting to slow down the disease’s progression.
How to tackle fatty liver disease
By spotting the signs before your condition becomes cirrhosis, you could be on your way to a healthier liver.
This can be achieved by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
“Try to have a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates, but low in fat, sugar and salt,” advises the NHS.
The national health body added: “Eat smaller portions of food and have water instead of sweet drinks.
“If you smoke, stopping can help reduce your risk of problems.”
Be drink aware
Meanwhile, ensuring you are drinking within the recommended guidelines will also help to reduce a number of conditions.
Experts state there is no completely safe level of drinking, however, sticking to guidelines serves as a benchmark and lowers your risk of harming your health.
It’s recommended to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, which could be spread across three days or more.
This equates to roughly six medium glasses of wine or six pints of beer.
