Cirrhosis of the liver, or hepatic cirrhosis, is a degenerative late-stage disease of the liver and its complications resulting in scarring(fibrosis) and liver failure.

Cirrhosis is caused by diseases of the liver, such as viral hepatitis(B or C), excessive alcohol consumption, & fatty liver. Every time your liver is injured, by disease or another cause, it repairs itself causing scarring. As the cirrhosis progresses, more scar tissue builds inhibiting liver function which can lead to liver failure, if left untreated.

This disease is most common in adults 50 years of age or older and many times, there aren’t any noticeable symptoms until the condition has progressed to the late stages. Symptoms & treatment options depend on which stage of cirrhosis you are in. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite and/or weight, abdominal pain, weakness, swelling in the legs & ankles, jaundice, dark colored urine & stools, shortness of breath, and blood in vomit.

There are 4 stages of cirrhosis:

Stage I: Steatosis – Inflammation of the bile duct or liver.

Stage II: Fibrosis(Scarring) – Inflammation or scarring begin to obstruct the flow of blood to the liver.

Stage III: Cirrhosis – Due to lack of treatment, scar tissue starts to replace the good tissue in the liver making it hard & lumpy and difficult for blood to flow to the liver.

Stage IV: Liver Failure – Left untreated, will lead to liver failure & death.

Although there is no cure for Cirrhosis, there are medicinal & surgical treatments, as well as lifestyle changes that can be made, depending on the stage of diagnosis.

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