Cirrhosis is a disorder characterized by damage to the liver tissue due to chronic injury. Liver cells are able to regenerate after they have been damaged, but when the damage is extensive and occurs over an extended period of time, then the liver is unable to regenerate properly. Instead of normal liver cells replacing the damaged tissue, non-functioning fibrous tissue forms at the site of injury. In this situation, the liver is unable to function properly. Symptoms of cirrhosis include pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen and yellowing of the skin. Complications of cirrhosis can be life threatening and any patient with cirrhosis should be carefully monitored.
Ascites
Ascites is the accumulation of excess fluid within the abdominal cavity, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Patients with ascites develop swelling of the stomach. Ascites can cause breathing difficulties and a reduction in urination. This complication develops when the vessels blood vessels in the liver become damaged. This damage causes a severe increase in blood pressure within the liver. This causes fluid to build up in the liver and then leak into the abdominal cavity. Ascites can lead to severe damage to the kidney, which can be fatal. Symptoms of this renal damage include dark colored urine, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, confusion and jerking movements.
Frequent Infections
The liver plays an important role in combating infections. In patients with cirrhosis, the liver is unable to produce the chemicals and substances the immune system needs to effectively ward off infection, states the Mayo Clinic. Therefore, patients suffer from more frequent infections. Patients can contract bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Once liver function is restored, whether through proper medical treatment or a liver transplant, the immune system should return to normal.
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy is a complication of cirrhosis, according to "American Family Physician." Encephalopathy is a condition in which the brain is adversely affected by toxins or an infection. In hepatic encephalopathy, the liver is unable to filter the blood reaching the brain due to the cirrhosis, and the toxins that remain in the blood begin to reach the brain. These toxins lead to a severe decrease in brain function. Hepatic encephalopathy is a gradual process that leads to changes in memory, personality and concentration.
Liver Cancer
Cirrhosis increases the risk of liver cancer in patients, reports the Mayo Clinic. The persistent damage to the liver tissue can cause some of the cells to become cancerous. Signs of liver cancer include weight loss, yellowing of the skin or white part of the eye and abdominal pain. Patients with cirrhosis should undergo regular ultrasound tests in order to screen for liver cancer.
