Liver Cirrhosis in Houston, TX

Liver cirrhosis may not have any obvious symptoms in its early stages. However, some of the initial signs that you could notice may include fatigue, physical weakness, and lack of appetite. If the condition continues to advance, some of the signs might involve:

• Swollen legs
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Vomiting
• Itchiness
• Brown-colored urine
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or queasiness
• Bruise or bleed easily
• Blood in the stool
• Veins that are spider web-like in appearance
• Fever
• Redness of the palms
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes)
• Swelling in the abdomen

Damage caused by liver scarring cannot be undone, but the liver is still capable of functioning even with two-thirds being destroyed or excised (removed). Below are a number of the treatments the Gastroenterology Consultants providers might recommend to help increase the liver's capacity to function:

• Undergo a liver transplant procedure
• Vaccination for hepatitis A and B
• Avoid taking certain medications (such as naproxen, ibuprofen, etc.)
• Managing the particular concerns surrounding your condition
• Antiviral medications for hepatitis B and C
• Prevention of further damage to the liver

Are there any complications of liver cirrhosis?

Because of the important role your liver plays in your health, any level of damage caused to the organ can interfere with its ability to function normally, potentially creating serious health problems. Possible health complications related to liver cirrhosis involve:

• Hypersplenism (an overactive spleen)
• Hepatic encephalopathy (a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream leading to brain damage)
• Bacterial peritonitis (an inflamed abdominal wall)
• Liver cancer