Cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, most commonly results from alcohol abuse or hepatitis. In end-stage cirrhosis, the liver's function has significantly declined, and you are more likely to have symptoms of this condition that can make physical activity potentially problematic. You do not necessarily have to give up physical activity, but you will need to take certain precautions.
Working With Your Doctor
If you have end-stage cirrhosis, you should always talk to your doctor before engaging in any kind of physical activity. Depending on your particular symptoms, the wrong type of exercise can have deadly complications. Your doctor can offer guidance on the appropriate types of physical activity that will reduce the risk of any exercise-induced problems.
Complications of Exercise
Cirrhosis blocks the flow of blood through the liver; this can lead to expanded vessels in other parts of the body, such as the stomach. The physician-created UpToDate.com explains that in end-stage cirrhosis, exercise can lead to dangerous internal bleeding resulting from burst blood vessels. Improper exercise can also increase symptoms of end-stage cirrhosis.
Fighting Fatigue
The University of Louisville Medical School website says that fatigue commonly strikes patients with advanced cirrhosis. It recommends 30 to 45 minutes of exercise daily to combat this problem. You can best achieve this by exercising for shorter amounts of time throughout the day -- for example, taking a 10-minute walk after every meal.
Types of Exercise
The types of exercise you can engage in will depend on many factors such as particular symptoms, the presence of other health problems and overall physical health. If you have swollen blood vessels in your esophagus, the university cautions against lifting weights, which can increase pressure. Other activities that can cause quick rises in blood pressure can also prove problematic.
Medications and Exercise Tolerance
Because of the blood vessel damage characteristics of cirrhosis, you might require certain medications to control your blood pressure, particularly ones that lower your pulse rate explains the University of Louisville Medical School. It notes these medications can decrease exercise tolerance in advanced stage cirrhosis patients. Do not push yourself beyond what you can comfortably handle.
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