Cirrhosis

Question 1

What is cirrhosis?

Answer 1

Excessive deposition of fibrin and development of scar tissue distort the normal architecture and function of the liver

Question 2

What are the main causes of cirrhosis?

Answer 2

Hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease

Question 3

What could a person with cirrhosis present with?

Answer 3

• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Poor appetite and weight loss
• Nausea or belly pain
• Small, red spider-like blood vessels on the skin

Question 4

As liver function worsens, describe the symptoms

Answer 4

• Fluid build-up of the legs (oedema) and in the abdomen (ascites)
• Yellow colour in the skin, mucus membranes, or eyes (jaundice)
• Redness on the palms of the hands
• In men, impotence, shrinking of the testicles, and breast swelling
• Easy bruising and abnormal bleeding
• Confusion or problems thinking
• Pale or clay-coloured stools

Question 5

What are some Complications of cirrhosis?

Answer 5

Hepatic fibrosis

portal hypertension