Liver Cirrhosis in Lubbock, TX

The initial stages of liver cirrhosis may not present with any symptoms. However, the initial signs that you might notice include lethargy, weakness, and appetite loss. When the condition continues to advance, some of the signs might include:

• Swelling in the legs
• Spider web-like veins
• Muscle cramps
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Jaundice yellowing of the eyes/skin
• Itching
• Bleed or bruise easily
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Nausea
• Fever
• Red palms
• Blood in the stool
• Brownish urine
• Vomiting

Liver scarring and damage cannot be reversed; however, the liver can often still function even if two-thirds has been removed or destroyed. Here are several of the treatments our Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates providers may recommend to enhance the liver's ability to function:

• Addressing the individual concerns surrounding your condition
• Immunization for hepatitis A and B
• Avoid taking certain medications (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.)
• Liver transplant procedure
• Prevention of additional damage to the liver
• Antiviral medications for hepatitis B and C

Are there any complications of liver cirrhosis?

A patient's liver carries out key roles in the body, and any level of damage or injury suffered by the liver will negatively impact its ability to function as normal. Some of the potential health complications related to liver cirrhosis include:

• Cancer of the liver
• Bacterial peritonitis (an inflamed abdominal wall)
• Hepatic encephalopathy (a buildup of toxins in the blood resulting in brain damage)
• Hypersplenism (an overactive spleen)