Liver Cirrhosis in Thibodaux, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is liver cirrhosis?
The liver is an organ that conducts many important functions in the body, like filtering the blood of harmful toxins and breaking down fat. Liver cirrhosis, also called hepatic cirrhosis, is a disorder that develops when the liver is inflamed and scarred from issues like alcoholism and late-stage liver disease. As more and more scar tissue forms, the functionality of the liver decreases. The various grades of severity surrounding liver cirrhosis are broken down into four stages.
Stage 1: There is some scarring of the liver, but not a lot of symptoms or complications have occurred.
Stage 2: Additional symptoms develop, such as enlarged and swollen veins and hypertension within the portal vein in the liver (referred to as portal hypertension).
Stage 3: Symptoms in this stage involve advanced scarring of the liver and swelling in the abdomen, along with significant complications and possibly liver failure.
Stage 4: This stage of liver cirrhosis can be fatal in the absence of a liver transplant.
At Digestive Health Center, our gastroenterology team can identify, treat, and help you manage liver concerns. To find help for liver cirrhosis in Thibodaux, LA, please request a consultation at a location near you today.
What causes liver cirrhosis?
There are an array of reasons why a liver can become scarred, leading to cirrhosis. These can involve the following:
- Viral liver infections (hepatitis B & C)
- Genetic digestive disorders
- Iron buildup in the body
- Chronic alcohol abuse
- Abnormal formation of bile ducts
- Wilson’s disease
- Infection
- Bile duct damage
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Obesity
- Certain medications
- Sugar metabolism disorders
- Liver disease caused by autoimmune hepatitis
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Should you start to have liver concerns and need care, partner with the gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Center. Our skill and expertise can guide you toward the appropriate options for personalized care.
What are common signs of liver cirrhosis?
The early stages of liver cirrhosis may not carry any symptoms, but you might notice tiredness, physical weakness, and a decreased appetite as time goes on. When the liver cirrhosis begins to progress, the signs can involve:
- Brown-tinted urine
- Nausea
- Swelling in the legs
- Red palms
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes)
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Unexpected weight gain or loss
- Itching
- Cramping of muscles
- Blood in the stool
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Bleed or bruise easily
- Veins that are spider web-like in appearance
What are the treatment options for liver cirrhosis?
Damage and scarring to the liver cannot be reversed; however, it can still work even in the event two-thirds have been removed or destroyed. Listed below are a number of the treatment protocols our providers may recommend to improve the liver's ability to function:
- Vaccination for hepatitis A and B
- Antiviral medications for hepatitis B and C
- Undergo a liver transplant procedure
- Reduce the risk of further liver damage
- Avoid taking specific medications (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.)
- Managing the specific concerns surrounding your cirrhosis
Are there any complications of liver cirrhosis?
The liver has an extremely important role in the body, and any level of damage or injury sustained by the liver will negatively affect its ability to function as normal. Some of the potential health complications resulting from cirrhosis of the liver involve:
- Bacterial peritonitis (inflammation of the abdomen wall)
- Cancer of the liver
- Hypersplenism (overactive splenic function)
- Hepatic encephalopathy (an aggregation of toxins in the blood resulting in brain damage)
Liver Cirrhosis FAQs
How is liver cirrhosis diagnosed?
Our Thibodaux, LA specialists may use various methods to confirm the presence of liver cirrhosis. These methods may involve a physical exam, blood work, and imaging tests like ultrasound, MRI, or CT. In specific individuals, a liver biopsy might be recommended, where a small amount of liver tissue is removed for laboratory investigation.
Can liver cirrhosis be reversed?
Though the damage from cirrhosis generally is irreversible, the disease can be managed with proper care. The intent of treatment is to stall the progression of scarring in the liver and to prevent or treat the challenges that accompany the disease. Should cirrhosis reach the advanced stages, a liver transplant may be recommended.
Is liver cirrhosis hereditary?
In most patients, liver cirrhosis is not an inherited condition. However, some hereditary disorders and conditions can make some more susceptible to developing liver cirrhosis. It is important to follow a healthy lifestyle, schedule regular health check-ups, and address any issues or concerns with a healthcare provider, such as those at Digestive Health Center.
How quickly does cirrhosis of the liver progress?
Generally, the speed at which liver cirrhosis usually advances ranges widely and is based on the reason behind the condition, a person's overall health, lifestyle choices, and how they respond to medical care. In certain cases, liver cirrhosis could be present over many years or even decades without producing any symptoms. In others, however, cirrhosis can progress at a fast pace.
Specialized care for liver health
Liver cirrhosis can interfere with your life in several facets. At Digestive Health Center, we wish to help you discover a life in which additional damage to the liver is averted. To receive treatment for liver cirrhosis in Thibodaux, LA, please request a consultation with one of our skilled GI specialists at your nearest location.
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