The liver has important tasks such as removing toxic (poisonous) substances in the body, playing a role in the metabolism and digestive system, blood clotting, storing and synthesizing many nutrients and performing immune functions. Therefore, any problems with the liver can harm the body. One such problem is fatty liver disease, which, as the name suggests, is caused by a buildup of fat in the liver.
Liver diseases usually do not show any symptoms in their early stages. However, as the disease develops, symptoms may begin to show throughout the body. Also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the disease develops in four stages. The fourth and final stage is known as cirrhosis and occurs after years of damage to the organ.
CAN BE FATAL
NHS Inform states, “Cirrhosis is liver scarring caused by sustained, long-term liver damage. Scar tissue replaces healthy tissue in the liver and prevents the liver from functioning properly. The damage caused by cirrhosis cannot be reversed and can eventually become so widespread that your liver stops working. “Cirrhosis can be fatal if the liver fails. However, the condition often takes years to reach this stage, and treatment can help slow its progression.”
SYMPTOMS OF cirrhosis
In the early stages of cirrhosis, the liver can still function, meaning it may not cause symptoms. However, some people with cirrhosis will notice four changes in their skin. These include:
- itchy skin
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Small red lines (blood capillaries) on the skin above waist level
- bruising
Other symptoms may include:
- fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss and muscle loss
- feeling sick (nausea) and vomiting
- Tenderness or pain around the liver area
- Easier bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- hair loss
- Fever and chills attacks
- Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet due to fluid buildup (edema)
- Swelling in your abdomen due to a buildup of fluid known as ascites (severe cases can make you look heavily pregnant).
