'Red flag' symptoms of early liver cirrhosis you should never ignore
Many Brits are taking part in Dry January and waiting until February comes around to sip their favourite booze again.
Some may abstain from alcohol altogether while others may rethink their approach to alcohol consumption going forward; long-term abuse of alcohol can have serious consequences. Drinkers should be aware of the dangers and signs of liver cirrhosis - an illness caused by drinking too much over an extended period.
Cirrhosis is is a permanent scaring that causes interference with the liver thus damaging its functioning. It is sometimes know as end-stage liver disease, and comes after the other stages of damage, including inflammation (hepatitis), fatty deposits (steatosis) and increased stiffness and mild-scarring of your liver (fibrosis), Wales Online reports.
In the early stages, people suffering with the condition will see their body adjust to compensate for your reduced liver function, however it is not totally obvious. Eventually, as the liver function declines further symptoms will become a lot more evident.
The NHS states that the illness can be caused by primary biliary cholangitis, problems with your immune system, hereditary conditions, and prolonged use of certain medications.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
Those with a severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or have been infected with hepatitis for a long period could also be at risk. Early symptoms include loss of appetite, loss of weight, tenderness or pain in the liver area, blotchy red palms, disturbed sleep pattern, feeling sick and vomiting, feeling unwell and tired the majority of the time, or presence of spider-like small capillaries on the skin.
Long-term abuse of alcohol can come serious consequences such as liver cirrhosis (Getty Images/Science Photo Libra)Symptoms which generally appear in the later stages of cirrhosis include intensely itchy skin, jaundice, hair loss, white nails, swelling of the abdomen, dark urine, shortness of breath, trembling hands, and frequent nosebleeds and bleeding gums. If you have notice an increased sensitivity to alcohol or drugs - both medical and recreational - this could also be a sign.
But there are five red flag signs people should be aware of, be taken seriously, and if identified an individual should see a doctor immediately. These symptoms include very dark or black tarry stools, periods of mental confusion or drowsiness, vomiting blood, shortness of breath, and fever with high temperatures and shivers.
The British Liver Trust reports that around 4,000 people in the UK die from cirrhosis and 700 people have to have a liver transplant each year to survive. The Liver Trust says 90 per cent of disease cases can be prevented by staying a healthy weight, drinking less alcohol and treating and preventing hepatitis
If you are suffering with liver cirrhosis or have identified any symptoms, speak to your GP immediately. Further information is available via the NHS here.
Do you have a story? Get in touch via [email protected].
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
