Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis – Know It, Manage It, Live Better

What is Cirrhosis & Why It Happens

Cirrhosis is long-term scarring of the liver caused by repeated damage.
The liver becomes hard and nodular, making it difficult to perform its normal functions.

Common causes include:

Alcohol-related liver disease 🍺
Fatty liver (NAFLD) 🥓
Chronic viral hepatitis (Hep B & C)🦠
Cryptogenic (unknown cause)❓
Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH)🛡️
Wilsons Disease (copper buildup)🪙
Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) – blocked liver veins🚫
Other rare genetic/metabolic diseases🧬

Compensated vs. Decompensated Cirrhosis

🟢 Compensated Cirrhosis

✔️ Liver is scarred but still functions well.
😌 You may not feel any symptoms.
🛡️ Often stable with proper care.

Decompensated Cirrhosis

⚠️ Liver function is poor.
🤒 Visible symptoms:swelling, confusion, fatigue.
🚨 Needs medical attention and close monitoring.

Complications – What Happens & How They Are Treated

🩺 Complication	❓ What It Is	💡 Why It Happens	💊 Usual Management
💧 Ascites	Fluid in the belly	Increased pressure & low protein	Low salt diet, diuretics, fluid removal
🦠 SBP	Infection of ascitic fluid	Low immunity	Antibiotics, hospitalization
🧠 Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE)	Confusion, altered sleep	Toxin buildup (like ammonia)	Lactulose, rifaximin, protein adjustment
🩻 HRS/AKI	Kidney failure	Blood flow changes	Hospital care, special fluids, medications
🩸 Variceal Bleed	Vomiting blood or black stools	Swollen veins in food pipe	Endoscopy banding, medications like carvedilol
🎯 HCC (Liver Cancer)	Liver tumor	Long-standing liver damage	Scans every 6 months, treatment as needed
🛡 Other Infections	UTI, pneumonia, cellulitis	Weakened immunity	Antibiotics, close monitoring

How Cirrhosis is Managed

Lifestyle & Monitoring

Stop alcohol completely
Avoid painkillers like diclofenac or ibuprofen
Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, B, flu, pneumonia
Frequent follow-up: Blood tests, scans, endoscopy

Diet & Daily Care

Low salt diet if you have swelling
Fluid restriction may be needed if sodium is low
Diuretics may be prescribed to reduce swelling
Need regular tests for sodium, potassium, and creatinine
Check your weight daily – sudden gain may mean fluid buildup

When to Consider Transplant

If liver becomes severely decompensated, liver transplant may be necessary
It can be life-saving and restore quality of life

Liver & Digestive Health Topics

Call Us Anytime

+91 8790852233

+91 7702677797

sanghamitragastroenterology@gmail.com

KGH: Pentakota Complex, Maharanipeta

MVP: MIG-55, Sector 5, MVP Colony

Contact Info

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(+001) 123-456-7890
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