Liver cirrhosis is an advanced stage of liver scarring (fibrosis) caused by years of liver damage from conditions like hepatitis B/C, fatty liver disease, or alcohol use. While it cannot be fully reversed once established, early detection and proper management can significantly slow its progression. Knowing the warning signs and accessing liver disease treatment in Dhaka at the right time is critical.
What Causes Liver Cirrhosis?
- Chronic Hepatitis B or C infection
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD/NASH)
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Prolonged bile duct obstruction
- Genetic conditions (Wilson’s disease, hemochromatosis)
Early Warning Signs (Compensated Cirrhosis)
In early stages, the liver can still function adequately despite scarring. Subtle signs include:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
- Mild nausea
- Right upper abdominal discomfort
- Spider angiomas (small blood vessel clusters under skin)
- Palmar erythema (redness of palms)
Advanced Warning Signs (Decompensated Cirrhosis)
These signs indicate serious deterioration requiring urgent medical attention:
1. Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (scleral icterus) occurs when the failing liver cannot process bilirubin. This is a red flag that demands immediate medical evaluation.
2. Ascites
Fluid accumulation in the abdomen causing a visibly swollen belly. This occurs due to portal hypertension (increased pressure in liver blood vessels) and low albumin production.
3. Leg Swelling (Peripheral Edema)
Pitting edema in the ankles and legs, again related to low albumin and poor fluid regulation.
4. Hepatic Encephalopathy
Confusion, memory problems, disorientation, or personality changes caused by toxins (especially ammonia) accumulating in the blood when the liver fails to detoxify them.
5. Variceal Bleeding
Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools — a life-threatening emergency caused by rupture of enlarged blood vessels (varices) in the esophagus or stomach.
6. Easy Bruising and Bleeding
The liver produces clotting factors. A failing liver leads to prolonged bleeding from cuts and easy bruising from minor trauma.
Monitoring and Treatment at Farazy Hospital
If you have any underlying liver condition, regular monitoring is essential:
- Liver function tests (LFTs) every 3–6 months
- Abdominal ultrasound + alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for cancer surveillance
- Upper GI endoscopy to check for varices
- FibroScan to measure liver stiffness
Farazy Hospital’s hepatology team provides comprehensive cirrhosis monitoring and management, including ascites drainage procedures, nutritional guidance, and coordination with surgical teams for advanced cases.
⚠️ If you experience jaundice, vomiting blood, or sudden abdominal swelling, go to Farazy Hospital Emergency immediately.
📞 Emergency & Hepatology: 01777-317772 | Banasree, Dhaka 1219
