Liver Cirrhosis in Tulsa, OK
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Find a ProviderWhat is liver cirrhosis?
You liver is an organ that performs a number of critical functions, including filtering the blood of harmful toxins and breaking down fat. Liver cirrhosis, also called hepatic cirrhosis, is a condition that arises when the liver becomes inflamed and scarred from issues like alcoholism or late-stage liver disease. As more scar tissue develops, the functionality of the liver continually declines. Liver cirrhosis is classified into four stages, based on severity.
Stage 1: Some scarring of the liver but there are not many symptoms and no complications have developed.
Stage 2: More symptoms begin to develop, such as swollen and enlarged veins and high blood pressure within the portal vein around the liver.
Stage 3: Symptoms in this stage include advanced scarring of the liver and swelling in the abdomen, accompanied by significant complications and possibly liver failure.
Stage 4: This stage can be deadly without a liver transplant.
At Adult Gastroenterology Associates, our GI team can identify and treat patients with liver conditions. To find care for liver cirrhosis in Tulsa, OK, request a consultation with a member of our team today.
What causes liver cirrhosis?
There are a number of factors that can damage the liver, which could result in cirrhosis. Some of these factors include:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Wilson’s disease
- Iron accumulation in the body
- Destruction of the bile ducts
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Certain medications
- Cystic fibrosis
- Excessive body fat
- Liver disease caused by autoimmune hepatitis
- Infection
- Poorly formed bile ducts
- Viral liver infections (hepatitis B & C)
- Genetic GI disorders
- Chronic alcoholism
- Sugar metabolism disorders
If you begin to develop liver problems and need care, reach out to our GI providers at an Adult Gastroenterology Associates location near you. Our skill and expertise can lead you toward the most reliable treatment options.
What are the symptoms of liver cirrhosis?
The beginning stages of liver cirrhosis may not present any symptoms. However, you could begin to notice some signs like lethargy, weakness, and appetite loss. If the liver condition continues to advance, some of the symptoms could include:
- Swollen legs
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Fever
- Brownish urine
- Jaundice
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Bruise or bleed easily
- Itching
- Veins that are spider web-like in appearance
- Unexpected weight loss or gain
- Vomiting
- Blood in the stool
- Redness of the palms
How is liver cirrhosis treated?
Liver scarring and damage cannot be undone. However, your liver can still function even if two-thirds of it has been removed or destroyed. There are a number of treatment options your Tulsa, OK providers might recommend to enhance liver function. These include:
- Undergo a liver transplant
- Immunization for hepatitis A and B
- Antiviral medications for hepatitis B and C
- Avoiding specific medications (naproxen, ibuprofen, etc.)
- Addressing the individual issues surrounding your cirrhosis
- Prevention of further damage to the liver
What are the complications of liver cirrhosis?
A person's liver plays a vital role in the body, and any injury or damage done to the liver will impair its normal functions. Some of the possible health complications resulting from liver cirrhosis include:
- Hepatic encephalopathy (the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream leading to brain damage)
- Cancer of the liver
- Hypersplenism (an overactivity of splenic function)
- Bacterial peritonitis (inflammation of the abdomen wall)
Seek treatment for liver cirrhosis
Scarring of the liver can affect your life and health in a number of ways. At Adult Gastroenterology Associates, we strive to help you enjoy a life where additional damage to the liver is prevented. To receive treatment for liver cirrhosis in Tulsa, OK, please request a consultation at a location in your community today.
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