Cirrhosis of the liver describes a disease of progressive tissue destruction characterized by the replacement of hard fibrous tissue riddled with nodules. This disease typically becomes chronic, and often patients are unaware of the disease because there are few early symptoms. Over time, cirrhosis causes multiple symptoms and complications, some of which become very obvious to the naked eye.
Bleeding
Nose bleeds, blood in stool, or vomiting blood commonly occur as an outward symptom of advanced cirrhosis. There are two reasons for this to occur. First, veins filled with blood become engorged as a result of the back up of blood from the damaged liver. These veins often rupture and cause bleeding. Second, the liver is responsible for metabolizing vitamin K which is vital for the clotting of blood. Without vitamin K, the blood thins leaving bleeding as a significant risk.
Skin Changes
Many skin changes occur as a result of cirrhosis of the liver. The Merck Manual lists several including the occurrence of jaundice, bumps on the skin, spider veins, reddened palms, and dry itchy skin. Because of the increased risk for bleeding the skin bruises easily. In addition, nails often exhibit white horizontal lines. The muscles in the hand contract leaving the fingers curled. Many of these changes occur due to the build up of toxins in the blood and altered metabolism.
Abdominal Distension
The Merck Manual describes ascites as the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity due to high blood pressure of the portal vein in the liver due to damage. This ascites causes the stomach to become distended. When severe ascites occurs patients often appear pregnant and experience tightening of the skin, bloating and pain.
Changes in Male Anatomy
The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that changes in the male anatomy often occur as a sign of cirrhosis. Because the liver becomes unable to remove waste and extra substances from the blood, the substances build up. The buildup of hormones often causes men to exhibit enlargement of breast tissue. In addition they also often suffer from shrinkage of the testicles.
Fetor Hepaticus
Fector hepaticus refers to the condition of sweet breath often exhibited by the cirrhosis patient. The odor is described as sweet, musty, and pungent. This foul smell to the breath occurs due to the toxic buildup of substances such as ammonia in the blood. This, like many other physical symptoms is a sign of cirrhosis of the liver.
