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There are many myths regarding the stages of cirrhosis of the liver. Many people believe that cirrhosis only occurs in heavy drinkers, while others think they are safe from the disease simply because they avoid alcohol. The reality, however, is that liver cirrhosis can afflict any person for a number of reasons. Knowing the stages of liver cirrhosis can help you understand the disease and take preventative measures to protect yourself from it.
What is Cirrhosis?Cirrhosis is a disease in which the liver loses the ability to function due to fibrous scar tissue and nodules replacing the healthy tissue within the organ. It is a chronic illness that can afflict anyone. Heavy drinkers are at a higher risk of developing liver cirrhosis, but anyone with hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease or cystic fibrosis is also at risk.
Educating yourself about the stages and symptoms of liver cirrhosis can help you protect yourself from the disease. Early stagesIn the early stages of liver cirrhosis, severe symptoms are not always present. A patient sometimes complains of itching, fatigue, jaundice and changes in the shape of their fingernails. During these early stages, many doctors are simply forced to treat the symptoms as they arise. If the disease is caught during these early stages, there is a more positive prognosis. If the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may occur. The size of the liver may increase, the spleen may enlarge and the body can sometimes form ascites. This happens when fluid accumulates in body cavities (such as the stomach) and causes a bloated appearance.
Late stagesThe late stages of liver cirrhosis have a much more negative prognosis than the early stages. In these stages, the liver is most likely beyond repair and is not curable through medication alone. Often, patients who are in the late stages of liver cirrhosis suffer from complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, in which the liver cannot filter ammonia out of the bloodstream. An excess of ammonia in the bloodstream can affect a person's cerebral functioning and cause him or her to suffer from forgetfulness, unresponsiveness and changes in sleeping habits. The final stage of cirrhosis, sometimes called end-stage cirrhosis, requires a liver transplant. If the transplant is not performed, there is usually not much more the doctors can do for the patient.
Cirrhosis of the liver is a severe disease; understanding the stages and realizing that anyone is at risk, not just heavy drinkers, can help you watch out for the symptoms in yourself or those close to you. While the prognosis is not always positive, it is much easier to spot the symptoms of this disease if you understand it, and know what to look for.
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When a doctor tells you are at the end stages of cirrhosis and you don't have much longer to live what does that mean?
Cirrhosis is a scarred liver, normally caused by alcoholism, long-time liver disease. Since the liver is a very important organ, when it fails, you don't have much longer to live unless you get a transplant.
What is fatty liver disease and can it spread to other parts of the body?
Fatty liver disease is an accumulation of triglyceride fat in the liver cells. Fatty liver disease is a reversible condition, and does not spread to other parts of the body.
What is the nanda nursing diagnosis for liver disease?
acute pain related to chronic liver disease
What disease puts dry spots on a liver?
It is liver cirrhosis because it can cause scarring of the liver.
What are some of the common symptoms of liver disease?
Symptoms of liver disease in early stages can be fatigue, slight weight loss. In more advanced stadium of the disease the patient may notice their skin gets more yellow, their urine might be dark in color but sometimes there might be no symptoms.
What are the disease of the liver?
the four stages of liver disease are: 1.) Inflammation 2.) Fibrosis 3.) Cirrhosis 4.) and well cancer...
Does a change of diet help in the stages of liver cancer?
Cancer are usually staged I to IV with I being localized disease and IV being advanced, and usually metastatic disease. Limit alcohol consumption since it is metabolized by the liver.
What is the difference between end stage kidney disease and end stage liver disease?
Both refers to the advanced stages of disease of that organ from which a normal recovery is not possible(let it be kidney or liver).Both are two separate entities with different causes,presentations.
What is Diffuse hepatocellular disease liver?
Affects hepatocytes and interferes with liver function
Causes and Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease?
Excess fat in the liver is known as fatty liver disease. There are two types of fatty liver disease: alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Both forms of the disease can lead to permanent liver damage.Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD)A very high percentage of individuals who abuse alcohol will develop a fatty liver. The amount of alcohol consumed and how long it is consumed before leading to the disease will vary among different people.Other factors that may contribute to the likelihood of developing ALD are obesity, diet, a history of Hepatitis C, or high levels of iron in the system.Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)NAFLD is fatty liver disease that is not brought on by alcohol and it is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the U.S. Although it is an abnormal condition, it does not always damage the liver.Symptoms of Fatty Liver DiseaseThere are usually no symptoms in the beginning stages of fatty liver disease. In advanced cases there may be nausea, weight loss, fatigue, and mental confusion. The liver may be enlarged, and there may be pain in the upper right section of the abdomen. If cirrhosis occurs, the liver will begin to fail, causing fluid retention, yellowing of the eyes and skin, muscle wasting, and internal bleeding.Diagnosis of Fatty Liver DiseaseAn enlarged liver noticed during a checkup or a blood test showing elevated liver enzymes may lead to a suspicion of fatty liver disease. It may also show up on an X-ray or ultrasound. A liver biopsy is the only way to confirm it, however.Treatment of Fatty Liver DiseaseAt this time, there is no treatment for fatty liver disease. In the case of alcoholic liver disease the most important thing to do is stop drinking. For those who are overweight, gradual weight loss may decrease the amount of fat in the liver.
What is a disease in which liver cells are damaged?
Liver cirrhosis is one such disease.
Which disease or disorder affects the liver?
If your liver shuts down your eyes will turn yellow.
How did ray Charles get liver disease?
Ray Charles died of liver disease.
What are the stages of heart disease?
What are the stages of kidney failture
When a doctor tells you are at the end stages of cirrhosis and you don't have much longer to live what does that mean?
Cirrhosis is a scarred liver, normally caused by alcoholism, long-time liver disease. Since the liver is a very important organ, when it fails, you don't have much longer to live unless you get a transplant.
What is fatty liver disease and can it spread to other parts of the body?
Fatty liver disease is an accumulation of triglyceride fat in the liver cells. Fatty liver disease is a reversible condition, and does not spread to other parts of the body.
What is liver desiese?
"Liver disease" is a general term for what it is called when your liver does not function correctly (work properly). There are many different types of liver disease, depending on why you liver is not functioning correctly.
