Replacement of healthy liver cells with scar tissue defines cirrhosis. Scar tissue deforms the normal liver, blocks blood flow and hinders the liver's function to detoxify drugs. Cirrhosis develops over years. Usually there are no signs of liver damage in the early stages of cirrhosis. Noticeable and serious signs such as swelling in the abdomen, changes in mental status and variceal bleeding present with fully developed cirrhosis.
Swelling in the abdomen and legs
The physicians associated with the Jackson Seigelbaum Gastroenterology group explain that fluid accumulation and swelling in the abdomen and legs results from decreased levels of albumin in the blood. A healthy liver produces a protein called albumin. Albumin keeps fluid within the blood vessels. A cirrhotic liver produces less albumin. Low albumin levels cause fluid to seep out of the blood vessels into the abdomen and legs.
Jaundice
The liver produces bile, which is a digestive juice that breaks down fats. Normally, the gallbladder stores bile and releases it into the intestines. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains that the cirrhotic liver cannot clear bilirubin, a pigment in bile. The accumulation of bilirubin in the blood causes jaundice. Jaundice presents as yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes as well as dark urine.
Development of gallstones
Patients with cirrhosis have an increased risk of developing gallstones. Cirrhosis impedes the flow of bile in and out of the gallbladder. Bile accumulated and hardens to form gallstones.
Increased risk of bleeding
The liver produces certain proteins that cause blood to clot. A person with cirrhosis has a coagulation factor deficiency which causes prolonged or excessive bleeding.
A person will notice that he bruises and bleeds easily.
Changes in mental status
The liver detoxifies drugs and environmental toxins. A cirrhotic liver fails to perform this function adequately and toxins eventually build up in the brain. Citing the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the accumulation of toxins in the brain causes changes in mental status and coma. Changes in mental status include confusion, memory loss, personality changes and trouble concentrating
Variceal bleeding
Merck Manuals describes varices as dilated blood vessels either in the lower esophagus or upper stomach. Elevated pressure in the veins of the liver associated with cirrhosis causes varices. In cases of advanced cirrhosis, blood from the intestines bypasses the liver and flow up and around the esophagus. Increased pressure causes the veins to widen, weaken and rupture. A variceal hemorrhage or excessive bleeding in the esophagus is a serious sign of cirrhosis.
