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May 20, 2013
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Cirrhosis (cont.)

Medical Author:
Jeffrey A Gunter, MD
Coauthor:
Erik D Barton, MD, MS
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Steven L Bernstein, MD

Cirrhosis Symptoms

  • Many people with cirrhosis have no symptoms during the early phases of the disease. Symptoms are caused by either of 2 problems:

    • Gradual failure of the liver to carry out its natural functions
    • Distortion of the liver's usual shape and size because of scarring

  • The most common symptoms of cirrhosis are as follows:

  • Symptoms may not appear until complications of cirrhosis set in. Many people do not know they have cirrhosis until they have a complication.

    • Jaundice - Yellowing of the skin and eyes from deposition of bilirubin in these tissues. Bilirubin is a product of the breakdown of old blood cells in the liver.
    • Fever
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Itching - From deposition in the skin of products of the breakdown of bile
    • Abdominal pain - From enlargement of the liver or formation of gallstones
    • Abdominal swelling or bloating - From fluid retention
    • Weight gain - From fluid retention
    • Swelling in ankles and legs (edema) - From fluid retention
    • Difficulty breathing - From fluid retention
    • Sensitivity to medications - Due to impairment of the liver's ability to filter medications from blood
    • Confusion, delirium, personality changes, or hallucinations (encephalopathy) - From buildup of drugs or toxins in the blood, which then affect the brain
    • Extreme sleepiness, difficulty awakening, or coma - Other symptoms of encephalopathy
    • Bleeding from gums or nose - Due to impaired production of clotting factors
    • Easy bruising - Due to impaired production of clotting factors
    • Blood in vomit or feces - Due to bleeding of varicose veins caused by liver congestion
    • Hemorrhoids - Varicose veins in rectum due to liver congestion
    • Loss of muscle mass (wasting)
    • In women, abnormal menstrual periods - Due to impairment in hormone production and metabolism
    • In men, enlargement of the breasts (gynecomastia), scrotal swelling, or small testes - Due to impairment in hormone production and metabolism

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Viewer Comments & Reviews

Cirrhosis of the Liver - Treatment

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What treatment has been effective for your cirrhosis?

View 8 Comments | Submit Your Comment

Cirrhosis of The Liver - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

The symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

View 20 Comments | Submit Your Comment
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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Cirrhosis »

Cirrhosis represents the final common histologic pathway for a wide variety of chronic liver diseases. The term cirrhosis was first introduced by Laennec in 1826.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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