Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic disease that affects the liver and is very common in our country. In fact, it is a leading cause of death and causes around 20,000 deaths each year.
This disease occurs when the liver, due to repeated damage, begins to accumulate scars that limit the functioning of the organ. Essentially, liver tissue is slowly destroyed giving way to fibrous (scar) tissue.
Among the most common causes of this disease we find viral hepatitis, such as those B and C, and the abuse of alcohol or certain drugs. In addition, it could occur in the case of problems with the bile ducts, cystic fibrosis and accumulation of iron in the body.
Cirrhosis of the liver is also a major risk factor for liver cancer. In fact, few people know that liver cancer comes sooner if you have these conditions.
However, care must be taken as these symptoms may reveal already existing liver cirrhosis
As reported by the Humanitas Research Hospital, the symptoms of cirrhosis appear when the damage to the liver is already extensive.
One of the first symptoms is fatigue, characterized by a constant sense of physical exhaustion.
Other symptoms, however, concern the skin. In fact, bruises and itching may appear with an abnormal frequency. Or, jaundice could arise, that is the progressive yellowing of the skin due to the increase in blood bilirubin values.
Another very common symptom is ascites, which consists of the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. This phenomenon causes an excessive dilation of the abdomen which causes breathing difficulties and loss of appetite.
This also leads to progressive weight loss and a constant feeling of nausea.
Prevention and diagnosis
Therefore, you need to be very careful because these symptoms could reveal an already existing liver cirrhosis. In fact, as we have just seen, this symptomatology occurs when the liver is already compromised.
The only defense is prevention, which could reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis.
In this sense it is therefore important to limit the consumption of alcohol and to undergo treatments and vaccinations for hepatitis. In addition, it is essential to follow a diet that is as healthy and balanced as possible.
To make a correct diagnosis of cirrhosis it is necessary to undergo periodic examinations and checks.
The main test is that of blood, thanks to which we can monitor various parameters.
In fact, there are above all these 4 blood values to keep an eye on because they can reveal bad liver diseases.
In case of anomalies, you can later undergo ultrasound scans, magnetic resonances and, possibly, a biopsy.