Cirrhosis is a long-term, progressive disease in which healthy cells in the liver become damaged due to issues involving disease, liver obstruction or medication or alcohol use. This condition is one of the leading causes of death throughout the world, according to the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia. Though the symptoms of this disease can be difficult to recognize, people who are affected should seek medical care at the first signs of cirrhosis.
No First Signs
During the early stages of cirrhosis, a person may not develop any noticeable signs of this disease. In fact, approximately one-third of patients with cirrhosis never develop symptoms, explains the Merck Manual. As a result, it can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose cirrhosis in affected patients.
Fatigue or Weakness
In healthy people, the liver works to clear toxins from the body and aids in digestion. Liver cell damage due to cirrhosis can interfere with these normal functions. Poor liver function can cause the accumulation of toxic waste products in a person's body. When this occurs, it can be difficult for the other organs, tissues and cells in a person's body to receive the energy he needs to support a his normal physical activities. As a result, people can experience unusual fatigue or weakness as a first sign of cirrhosis, report medical professionals with the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC. Affected people can appear abnormally lethargic and may be unable to remain focused or alert while completing daily responsibilities.
Upset Stomach
Inflammation of the liver induced by cirrhosis can irritate the surrounding organs, such as the digestive tract. When this occurs, people with cirrhosis can develop an upset stomach as a sign of this disease. Affected people can experience a significant decrease in their normal appetite and can begin losing weight, explains PDRHealth, a medical information website associated with the "Physicians' Desktop Reference." Certain patients can also develop nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, which may be accompanied by abdominal distention or bloating. People who notice blood within their vomit or stools should seek medical care immediately, as these signs of cirrhosis can indicate internal bleeding.
Skin Itching
Cirrhosis can cause the buildup of toxic waste products in a person's body. When this occurs, the toxins can irritate or inflame a person's skin. Skin inflammation can cause a sensation of itching as a first sign of cirrhosis in affected people, reports the NDDIC. Frequent scratching of the affected skin can be uncomfortable and may increase a person's risk of developing a skin infection.
