Cirrhosis 

Cirrhosis is the disease of the liver characterized by hardening and fibrosis of the liver.

Causes of cirrhosis are 

1.    Excessive alcohol intake

2.    Hepatitis B

3.    Hepatitis C

4.    Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (Which occurs mostly in overweight individuals).

5.    Wilson disease

6.    Autoimmune hepatitis

7.    Hemochromatosis

Symptoms of cirrhosis are

1.    Individuals with cirrhosis may be totally asymptomatic and diagnosed on imaging on blood tests

2.    Weakness and fatigue

3.    Fluid in abdomen (ascites) and swelling of feet (pedal edema)

4.    Vomiting of blood

5.    Black stool

6.    Altered behavior or unconsciousness

7.    Decreased urine output 

Diagnosis 

Cirrhosis is suspected in the patients with above-mentioned symptoms and is confirmed by following investigations 

8.    LFT

9.    Ultrasonography

10.  Fibroscan

11.  Liver Biopsy

12.  CT scan and MRI 

Treatment of cirrhosis includes:

Management of complications 

1.    Diet rich in calories and protein for the nutritional build up

2.    Diuretics and salt restriction for fluid overload

3.    Beta blockers, Endoscopy, and banding of variceal bleed

4.    Laxatives and L-ornithine L-Aspartate in patients with hepatic encephalopathy