Causes and early signs of liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis of the liver is a relatively common and extremely dangerous disease. After all, in the absence of treatment, the disease leads to the development of hepatic insufficiency and other, no less dangerous complications. That is why it is so important to know about what are the first signs of cirrhosis of the liver. After all, the sooner the therapy starts, the more chances for a successful and quick recovery.

Causes of liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a disease that is accompanied by a gradual overgrowth of the connective tissue that replaces the functional cells of the liver. In this case, the body loses its basic functions. And before you know what are the first signs of cirrhosis of the liver, it is worth studying the information on the main causes of the disease. After all, the problem is much easier to prevent than to get rid of it later. The disease can develop under the influence of many factors.

• Quite often, the development of cirrhosis is a consequence of infection of the body with the hepatitis virus.
• The cause can also be a toxic effect. The disease can develop against the background of taking certain medicines, poisoning the body with dangerous chemicals. Alcoholic drinks are often used as a toxin, since chronic alcohol dependence primarily affects the liver.
• Sometimes cirrhosis is the result of an autoimmune disease, when the immune system attacks its own hepatocytes.
• To fatty degeneration can lead to a prolonged stagnation of blood in the veins of the liver.
• For reasons can also be attributed to some diseases of the biliary tract.

The first signs of liver cirrhosis

Unfortunately, at the first stage of development the disease is practically asymptomatic. But as it develops, there is an increase in size and a change in the structure of the organ. Increased fatigue, weakness, pain in the right upper quadrant - all these are the first signs of cirrhosis of the liver. Often the pain is aggravated by physical exertion or by errors in nutrition. In addition, this disease is characterized by the appearance of minor bleeding. For example, often patients have blood from the nose, small subcutaneous hemorrhages are observed, as well as bleeding gums. Symptoms can also include bloating, digestive problems, nausea, darkening of urine, discoloration of stool. At later stages, the development of jaundice is observed, which is accompanied by the dyeing of the skin and the sclera of the eyes in a characteristic yellow color.

Cirrhosis and modern methods of treatment

In fact, it is very important to ask for help in time. The fact is that the liver is able to recover relatively quickly. Therefore, in the early stages of the disease can still be cured. First of all, it is necessary to find out the reason and eliminate it. For example, with a viral disease, you need to undergo antiviral medication. In addition, patients should refrain from drinking alcohol and carefully monitor diet. Unfortunately, at later stages, cirrhosis can not be cured with the help of conservative methods - the only way is liver transplantation.

Prevention of cirrhosis of the liver

In fact, it is not so difficult to observe precautions. First of all, you need to limit the amount of alcoholic beverages, as well as adhere to the rules of healthy eating. In addition, it is necessary to do all the necessary vaccinations, for example, from hepatitis B. And, of course, experts recommend at least once a year to undergo a full medical examination that will provide detection of the disease in the early stages, when conservative treatment is still possible.