At this stage of cirrhosis significant amounts of scar tissue have accumulated in the liver, affecting the organ's ability to function properly. Cirrhosis is a life-threatening condition, according to the American Liver Foundation, that is always associated with liver disease. If the condition remains untreated, liver failure will occur. Causes and symptoms of cirrhosis vary.
Considerations
The American Liver Foundation indicates that few or no symptoms generally emerge in the early stages of cirrhosis. Symptoms are brought on by the loss of functioning of liver cells and the distortion of the liver caused by scarring, according to the American Gastroenterological Association. At the onset of cirrhosis, MedlinePlus indicates that the liver will no longer be able to heal itself or return to normal functioning.
Causes
A number of diseases and conditions may cause damage to the liver that results in cirrhosis and associated symptoms. MayoClinic.com indicates a number of these causes, including hepatitis, cystic fibrosis, fat accumulation in the liver, destruction of bile ducts, problems processing sugars in milk, iron buildup, liver disease caused by the immune system, parasites, genetic abnormalities and copper accumulation in the liver. The most common cause of cirrhosis in the United States is chronic alcoholism, according to the American Gastroenterological Association.
Protein Production
Healthy livers produce proteins that play key roles in certain processes in the body. Cirrhosis affects the liver's production of these crucial proteins. The American Gastroenterological Association indicates that decreased production of a protein called albumin causes the accumulation of water in the legs or abdomen, resulting in swelling and potentially, pain. Lack of another protein vital to the blood's ability to form clots will result in an individual bruising and bleeding easily.
Other Symptoms
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse identifies a number of symptoms that may emerge with late-stage cirrhosis. These include weakness, fatigues, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, itching and spiderlike blood vessels on the skin. The American Liver Foundation indicates other common symptoms, including jaundice, confusion, mental problems. Cirrhosis can also induce a coma or increase the blood pressure in the veins leading into the liver.
Treatment
In the later stages of cirrhosis, where symptoms have emerged for the first time, the goal of treatment, according to the American Liver Foundation, is prevention of further liver damage and addressing symptoms of cirrhosis. Individuals who damaged their liver through chronic alcoholism must discontinue alcohol use, MayoClinic.com indicates. Further treatment, according to MayoClinic.com, depend on the underlying cause of cirrhosis and may involve medications or liver transplants.
