Liver cirrhosis is a chronic disorder that leads to the progressive destruction of liver tissue and function. Diseases, such as alcoholism, hepatitis or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, may cause liver cirrhosis to develop in some people. Symptoms of liver cirrhosis can include nausea, fatigue and weight loss. As cirrhosis of the liver progresses, a number of complications can develop.
Fluid Buildup
Liver cirrhosis can cause fluid to build up within specific regions of the body. As liver cirrhosis progresses, edema or ascites may develop and cause fluid to accumulate within the legs or abdomen, respectively. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that ascites may cause some people to develop a severe life-threatening infection called bacterial peritonitis. Symptoms of bacterial peritonitis include abdominal pain, fever and chills.
Bleeding or Bruising
The normal function of the liver involves the production of proteins that are necessary to ensure that blood clots in response to injury. A person with liver cirrhosis may have decreased levels of these crucial proteins within his blood, causing him to bruise or bleed easily after even mild injuries.
Jaundice
When the liver is unable to function normally, bilirubin---a fluid made by the liver that is important in digestion---begins to build up within the body. This causes yellowing of the skin and eyes, a medical condition called jaundice. Cirrhosis of the liver can cause bilirubin to accumulate within the body and may cause jaundice to develop in certain people.
Mental Impairment
Severe liver cirrhosis can cause brain damage to occur---a condition called hepatic encephalopathy. Symptoms of mental impairment may include confusion, difficulty concentrating or coma. Severe brain damage resulting from liver cirrhosis can be fatal.
Liver Cancer
If you have liver cirrhosis, you are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms of liver cancer may include abdominal pain and fatigue.
Kidney Failure
Severe liver damage caused by cirrhosis can interfere with blood flow to the kidneys. If the kidneys do not receive an adequate supply of blood, they may begin to shut down, causing some people to develop kidney failure.
Type 2 Diabetes
Cirrhosis of the liver causes the body to become resistant to the normal effects of insulin. Insulin is a pancreatic hormone that is involved in regulating the amount of sugar within your blood. When the body cannot use insulin effectively, excess levels of sugar begin to accumulate within the blood. This can cause certain people to develop Type 2 diabetes.
