Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms

Liver cirrhosis is the end-stage condition of chronic liver disease caused by various factors, pathologically characterized by diffuse fibrosis of liver tissue and regenerative nodules. It mostly occurs in middle-aged and elderly populations, with chronic viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, or fatty liver disease being high-risk factors. The disease progresses slowly, but once symptoms appear, it usually indicates advanced damage.

In Western countries, alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are the main causes of cirrhosis, while in Southeast Asia, including China, Thailand, and Vietnam, hepatitis B and C virus infections are the primary causes. Due to the atypical presentation in the early stages, diagnosis is often delayed, leading to a series of complications that may endanger life.

Detailed Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis

1. Fatigue and Tiredness

This is the most common and easily overlooked symptom. Patients often show reduced physical strength and easy fatigue, with significant worsening after activity, affecting daily work and life.

2. Loss of Appetite and Nausea

Due to impaired gastrointestinal function from weakened liver function, patients often experience poor appetite, bloating, nausea, and reduced food intake, leading to significant weight loss. This is a sign of disease progression.

3. Abdominal Distension and Ascites Formation

Patients with cirrhosis often develop ascites due to portal hypertension and decreased albumin levels, presenting with gradually enlarged and distended abdomens. Severe cases may require repeated paracentesis.

4. Jaundice

When liver cell function is severely impaired, bilirubin metabolism becomes abnormal, leading to yellowing of the skin and sclera. Darker discoloration often indicates worsening disease.

5. Bleeding Tendency

Due to decreased liver synthetic function and reduced coagulation factors, patients are prone to gum bleeding, nosebleeds, and in women, heavier menstrual bleeding.

6. Lower Limb Edema

With decreased plasma protein levels, fluid easily accumulates in the tissues, especially noticeable swelling in the distal lower limbs, severely affecting walking and standing.

7. Palmar Erythema and Spider Angiomas

Due to impaired estrogen metabolism, some patients develop obvious redness of the palms or small red, spider-like capillary dilations on the chest, face, or arms.

8. Mental Changes and Hepatic Encephalopathy

When liver function is severely impaired, toxins cannot be eliminated, affecting the central nervous system, resulting in poor concentration, abnormal behavior, drowsiness, or even coma.

9. Gynecomastia and Reduced Sexual Function in Men

Endocrine disorders caused by cirrhosis can lead to breast enlargement, testicular atrophy, and decreased libido in men, seriously affecting psychological well-being and family life.

Conclusion

Although symptoms of cirrhosis are not obvious in the early stages, once they appear, the disease is often already at an advanced stage. Experts at the United Life International Medical Center remind that early recognition and intervention of relevant symptoms, combined with advanced treatments such as stem cell therapy, may improve patients’ quality of life and prognosis and slow disease progression.