FAQ’S ON LIVER HEALTH AND LIVER CIRRHOSIS

What is Liver Cirrhosis?

The abnormal functioning of the liver leads to the death of the liver cells. As a substitute to that the liver tries to repair the cells. This leads to inflammation and the formation of the scars. The liver cells further multiply in large numbers forming a cluster. The new cells that have now grown are within the scarred tissue. This changes the entire anatomical structure of liver and hampers its’ function. This condition is called as Liver Cirrhosis. It will further not only kill the liver but also affect the overall health.

What is the function of the liver in our body?

It performs several functions which include:

• It produces bile and helps in digestion
• It detoxifies harmful substances such as alcohol and drugs
• It cleanses the system and stores some vital nutrients
• It stores sugar in the form of glycogen
• It also produces cholesterol while it breaks down saturated fats

What leads to Liver Cirrhosis?

Certain lifestyle habits and sometimes the internal disorders individually or together may contribute to Liver Cirrhosis. Let’s see how-

• Hepatitis B and C
• Fatty liver diseases linked to obesity and diabetes
• Blockage of the bile duct
• Heart Attacks
• Genetic diseases
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Parasitic infections and auto immune diseases.

What are the after-effects of Liver Cirrhosis ?

Liver Cirrhosis alters all the functions it once played when it was healthy. The liver gradually decreases the performance leading to slowing down of the removal of toxins from the body. Bile is not produced enough to perform digestion smoothly. The formation of the scars in the liver further stops the detoxification of toxins, hormones and drugs.

What are the symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis ?

The symptoms do not show in the initial stages and may become predominant later for which you should visit your physician to rule out any complications.

• Weight loss and weakness
• Yellowing of the skin due to Jaundice
• Itching
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Fluid retention in the ankles, legs and abdomen
• Bloody stools

What are the possible complications ?

The possible complications may include :

• Liver cancer
• Kidney Failure
• A condition called Portal Hypertension due to the pressure in the blood vessels of the liver
• Confusion or the person may go into coma
• Bleeding disorders
• Bacterial Infections

Why early detection of Cirrhosis is essential ?

Liver Cirrhosis leads to many complications and is life-threatening. Hence, once you notice any symptoms check with your physician and start the treatment as soon as it is diagnosed.

What tests will your Physician recommend for you ?

A Physical Exam is conducted prior further diagnosis. He will check for flud retention in if your abdomen is swollen; check for an enlarged spleen or liver; yellowish eyes and red spider liker blood vessels on the skin. This would lead to further tests which include :

• Complete Blood Count
• Liver Function Test
• Blood Albumin Level
• Prothrombin Time

Other tests include :

• CT scan of the abdomen
• MRI of the abdomen
• Ultrasound
• A Liver biopsy

What are the measures that can be taken to prevent Liver Cirrhosis and protect Live Health?

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid alcohol
• Be hygienic
• Consume foods with low salt only
• Vaccinations for Hepatitis B, A pneumonia and Influenza.
• Avoid unprotected sex
• Do not take over the counter medicines. Do talk to your doctor about them.

Why KIMS ?

KIMS is the top hospital for liver disease treatment in India as it adopts a unique methodology of analysing the disease, the conditions and thereby the right treatment. The number of cases where the patients have been successfully treated and healed has made KIMS the best hospital for liver disease in Hyderabad.