Gastroenterology, by video or in person
Liver Cirrhosis
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Liver Cirrhosis
- Tiredness, weakness and weight loss
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- A swollen tummy (ascites) and swollen legs
- Itchy skin
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver after years of damage. Common causes include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcohol, and fatty liver linked to weight and diabetes; some herbal remedies and less common conditions also cause it. The liver can keep working well for a long time even with scarring, so many people have no symptoms at first. As it progresses, fluid can build up in the tummy, the eyes and skin can turn yellow, veins in the gullet can bleed, and toxins can build up and cause confusion. Cirrhosis also raises the risk of liver cancer. The damage usually cannot be undone, but treating the cause, for example antiviral medicine for hepatitis B or C or stopping alcohol, can stop it getting worse, and regular specialist follow-up catches complications early.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Tiredness, weakness and weight loss
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- A swollen tummy (ascites) and swollen legs
- Itchy skin
- Easy bruising or nosebleeds
- Confusion, drowsiness or a change in personality
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if you vomit blood or something like coffee grounds, pass black, tarry stools, become confused or very drowsy, have a fever with a painful swollen tummy, or become suddenly more yellow. See a gastroenterologist if you have been told you have cirrhosis or liver scarring, or have a known cause such as hepatitis B or C or heavy drinking, so the cause can be treated and you can be checked for complications and liver cancer.
Treatment options
- Treating the cause: antivirals for hepatitis B or C, stopping alcohol, weight loss for fatty liver
- Medicines to reduce fluid build-up, and a low-salt diet
- A camera test (gastroscopy) to check for and treat swollen veins in the gullet
- Medicines to lower the risk of bleeding and confusion
- An ultrasound every six months to check for liver cancer
- Avoiding alcohol, herbal remedies and painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac
- A liver transplant assessment for some people, abroad where needed
Common Questions
Can cirrhosis be cured?
The scarring usually cannot be reversed, but treating the cause can stop it getting worse and sometimes lets the liver recover some function. A transplant is the only cure for advanced cirrhosis.
Is cirrhosis always caused by alcohol?
No. Hepatitis B and C and fatty liver are common causes, including in people who do not drink at all.
Can cirrhosis care be done by video?
Follow-up, results and medicine reviews can often be done by video, with scans, blood tests and scopes arranged in person. Any danger sign above needs a hospital, not a call.
Need Help?
A stomach, bowel and liver specialist on a video call, who reads your results and says whether you need a scope or a scan.
See a gastroenterologist by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified gastroenterology specialist near you.
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