Cirrhosis of the liver is understood as a chronic disease (popularly erroneously referred to as ceirosis), characterized by a gradual decrease in the number of functioning liver cells, accompanied by a restructuring of its main substance and the vascular system itself. According to experts, this disease affects mainly men. In this article, we will talk about which symptoms of liver cirrhosis appear first, as well as what this disease is in general.
General information
Unfortunately, at the moment, doctors cannot name one specific reason for this kind of pathology. As for the main factors leading to its development, the following are distinguished: hepatitis B, C, D, genetic predisposition, alcohol abuse, autoimmune diseases, etc.
Symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver
- Discomfort and pain in the area of the right hypochondrium. As a rule, this kind of pain intensifies after eating fatty foods or alcoholic products, serious physical activity. This condition is explained by doctors by the fact that the liver is constantly increasing in size, and its capsule is also stretched. Quite often, this ailment is associated with chronic gastritis or pancreatitis.
- Nausea and vomiting. In the presence of varicose veins of the stomach and esophagus, there is a high probability of vomiting with splashes of blood.
- Constant feeling of bitterness and dryness in the mouth.
- General malaise, fatigue, irritability.
- Signs of cirrhosis of the liver are also manifested in menstrual dysfunction in the representatives of the beautiful half of our humanity, and in men - in sexual weakness (in some cases, even complete impotence is diagnosed).
- Due to the gradual accumulation of so-called bile acids in the body, severe itching of the skin is possible.
Ceirosis liver disease: external symptoms
When examining a patient, doctors usually note a general weight loss, up to complete exhaustion of the body and concomitant muscle atrophy. Most often, weight loss begins with the face, and in some cases with the limbs. The cheekbones become very clearly visible, severe swelling is observed on the lower extremities. Note that the visual symptoms of liver cirrhosis in children are somewhatdiffer from the adult population. For example, doctors observe a serious lag in physical and sexual development. The skin is predominantly dry, with a slightly pronounced icteric tint. On palpation of the organ itself, its increase is observed, as well as slight swelling and even tuberosity in this area.
Diagnosis
To confirm this disease, doctors pay attention not only to the above symptoms of liver cirrhosis, but also prescribe a number of laboratory tests. First of all, it is a general and biochemical blood test. In addition, an ultrasound examination of the organ itself is often required. So, ultrasound with this diagnosis reveals an increase in the organ, its homogeneity or the so-called hyperechoic structure. Particular attention is paid to liver biopsy. Its main goal is to fully study the microstructure of the organ and the ongoing processes. Only after studying all the tests, specialists can proceed to the therapy itself. Note that in each case it is prescribed individually, depending on many concomitant factors (stage of the disease, age of the patient, etc.).
