Cirrhosis of the liver describes a condition where healthy liver tissue becomes damaged. As a result, tough fibrous nodules replace once-healthy liver tissue. In the early stages of cirrhosis the body compensates for the damage, and if there are symptoms, they are vague. According to "Medical Surgical Nursing" the body's liver performs over 400 functions for the human body. Advanced cirrhosis is referred to as compensated cirrhosis because the body no longer compensates for the damage to the liver. Many symptoms occur during advanced stage, compensated liver failure.
Nutritional and Gastrointestinal Effects
End stage cirrhosis causes a loss of appetite, usually resulting in weight loss. The National Institutes of Health also report that nausea and vomiting commonly occur with cirrhosis. Bowel movements often appear pale or clay-colored. The liver fails to absorb the vitamins responsible for blood clotting and narrowing of a vein in the liver causes a backup of blood into the gastrointestinal tract. This often results in bleeding of the veins in the esophagus, stomach and intestines.
Skin Changes
Skin often becomes jaundiced in individuals with cirrhosis, causing it to become yellow or bright orange. Often, the sclera of the eyes also turns yellow. Skin also becomes itchy and dry. The University of Maryland Medical Center report the appearance of spider veins on the skin. Cirrhosis causes an increased risk of bleeding, and bruising of the skin becomes common.
Weakness and Altered Mental State
Patients with end stage cirrhosis become weak due to multiple causes including malnutrition and altered metabolism. The liver becomes unable to filter toxins, causing a buildup in the blood. "Medical Surgical Nursing" reports that this buildup causes confusion, behavior changes, impaired thinking, drowsiness, inability to concentrate, and slurred speech. Eventually this condition worsens and cirrhosis patients experience a coma leading to death.
Abdominal Distension and Swelling
Fluid leaks from the damaged liver into the part of the abdomen known as the peritoneal cavity. This accumulation of fluid builds and is commonly referred to as ascites. Ascites causes abdominal swelling and enlargement. This uncomfortable condition causes a full feeling, bloating, pain, tightness, and often shortness of breath. Severe abdominal ascites also causes the rest of the body to retain sodium and water. This causes the feet and legs to swell with the extra fluid. Kidney failure also commonly results with advanced liver cirrhosis.
References
- National Institute of Health: Cirrhosis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cirrhosis
- "Medical Surgical Nursing"; Ignatavicius, D. MSN, Workman, L. PhD.; 2002
