Early Signs of Liver Cirrhosis You Shouldn’t Ignore

Early Warning Signs of Cirrhosis

Here are early symptoms that might indicate the onset of liver cirrhosis. Not all need to appear at once, but the presence of one or more over time warrants medical attention.

• Continuing Fatigue and Weakness: 

This is probably one of the most prominent signals that accompanies the condition, such as persistent fatigue, which is not revitalized by rest. When the liver loses its capacity to handle nutrients and carry out metabolism, energy levels are noticeably lowered. If everyday work becomes too tiring without any apparent reason, then it is possible that you are affected by more than just simple fatigue.

• Depressed Appetite and Non-Intentional Weight Loss: 

Hepatic damage may cause the digestive system to become less efficient. Therefore, some people will find themselves in a situation where they experience a loss of appetite and yet become intolerant to food and consequently have to face weight loss and even malnutrition.

• Digestive Troubles (Nausea, Bloating, Indigestion): 

Liver is the main source of bile production, which is necessary for digesting fats. If this function is impaired, a person may feel nauseous, experience bloating more often, suffer from indigestion or acid reflux may become worse. People also might feel trouble digesting heavy or fatty meals.

• Jaundice: 

Jaundice‍‌‍‍‌ is among the most visible symptoms when the liver is not functioning properly. Because liver function gets impaired, the bilirubin deposition (from the breakdown of red blood cells)  starts building up in the skin and eyes, making them look yellow. Besides that, the urine may become darker due to the increased amount of bilirubin, while the stool may be pale or of a clay-like color, which indicates that the bile flow is obstructed. ‍‌‍‍‌

• Fluid Retention (Swelling in Legs, Abdomen): 

When the liver is harmed, it affects the production of proteins (such as albumin) that are responsible for keeping the fluid balance. Due to this, fluid may accumulate which leads to swelling of the lower body (edema) or the abdominal cavity (ascites). The swelling should be definitely checked, it can be a very serious problem of the circulatory system and liver.

• Easy Bruising, Bleeding, or Slow Healing: 

Since the liver is the main organ that produces clotting factors, cirrhosis can result in reduction of these proteins which lead to a situation when the body becomes more susceptible to bruising or bleeding caused by slight injuries. Wounds may bleed for a longer time than usual or it may take your body longer than normal to heal.

• Persistent Itching (Pruritus): 

Chronic itching is one of the signs of liver cirrhosis. It happens due to the buildup of bile salts and other toxic substances in the skin. So, if any person suffers from unexplained skin that itches very much, without any cause, it might be a liver problem. Visiting the best gastroenterology hospital in Hisar at Sarvesh Health City, can help you get the right treatment at the right time.

• Cognitive Changes: 

In the case of advanced or deteriorating cirrhosis, the liver may not be able to filter toxins properly. Consequently, the toxins enter the bloodstream and cause the brain to work less efficiently. The symptoms of this condition include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, confusion, irritability, or even mood changes (a disease called hepatic ‍‌‍‍‌encephalopathy).