People with cirrhosis of the liver should be physically active unless advised otherwise by their physician. Physical exercise is a vital component of any healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise while suffering from cirrhosis can help enhance your sense of physical well being.
Causes of Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a medical condition during which scar tissue replaces normal liver tissue. Cirrhosis occurs as a result of chronic liver damage. Chronic alcohol abuse, hepatitis, fatty build up, poorly developed bile ducts and parasites are some of the most common causes of cirrhosis of the liver.
Symptoms
Cirrhosis symptoms usually do not appear until the buildup of scar tissue is severe. Fatigue, jaundice, weight loss, loss if appetite, low energy levels and nausea are all common symptoms of cirrhosis. Another symptom of cirrhosis is low tolerance for exercise. This means that exercises you had performed before developing cirrhosis may prove difficult to perform after developing the condition.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your physician will diagnose liver cirrhosis after conducting a physical examination along with magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography and blood tests. If a diagnosis of cirrhosis is made your physician will treat the underlying cause that leads to cirrhosis. In severe cases, liver transplant surgery is required to prevent fatal complications.
Cirrhosis and Exercise
Cirrhosis may lower your exercise tolerance but it will benefits your health while you suffer from cirrhosis. Exercise can help reduce fatty build up around your liver and help your cardiac function as well. Both of these factors can help slow the build up of scar tissue. Consult with a physician before attempting any exercise.
References
- University of Louisville: Recommendations for Cirrhosis
- "Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology"; A.C. Guyton; 2002
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (16th edition)"; Lawrence Madoff et al; 2005
- "Gut"; Cardiac Response to Exercise in Cirrhosis; F Wong et al; 2001
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