Cirrhosis is a disease of the liver. The function of the liver is to metabolize wastes, aid in digestion, purify the blood and fight infection. When a patient has cirrhosis, scar tissue in the liver begins to grow and replace healthy tissue. When enough healthy tissue is replaced by inactive fibrous tissue, the liver is unable to function at maximum capacity. In the United States, the most common causes of cirrhosis are chronic alcoholism and hepatitis, says MedlinePlus. Patients who experience symptoms of cirrhosis should consult a physician. A physical examination and blood work can aid in diagnosis.
Bruising and Bleeding
Patients with cirrhosis may bruise and bleed easily. A small injury can result in severe, prolonged bleeding and bruising. Spontaneous nosebleeds may also occur. These symptoms arise because the liver is not healthy enough to make the proteins that help the body's blood properly clot.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another symptom of cirrhosis, notes MayoClinic.com. The fatigue may be due to a buildup of toxins in the blood.
Ascites and Edema
Patients with cirrhosis may develop ascites and edema. As the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains, fluid buildup in the abdomen is called ascites, while the same condition in the legs is referred to as edema. Ascites may lead to peritonitis, which is a dangerous infection of the lining of the abdomen.
Confusion
When a patient's liver isn't functioning properly, the buildup of toxins and wastes can lead to a high level of ammonia in the blood. This can result in confusion and difficulty in concentrating.
Jaundice
Jaundice occurs when the diseased liver does not remove enough bilirubin from the blood, causing yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes as well as darkening of the urine.
Varices
Patients with cirrhosis may develop enlarged blood vessels in the esophagus, called varices, or in the stomach, called gastropathy. If these vessels rupture, a dangerous hemorrhage can occur. Patients may vomit blood or notice blood in their stool.
