Effects of Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease often associated with alcoholism. Fatty, fibrous tissue and nodules replace normal liver tissue, giving it a "hobnail" appearance and interfering with the liver's ability to filter the blood, synthesize protein, provide bile to the small intestine to digest fats and store glycogen (sugar).
Jaundice
As the tube draining bile from your liver blocks, bilirubin (a substance in bile) enters the blood, causing jaundice (yellow staining of your skin and whites of your eyes), resulting in severe itching.
Vessel Changes
Because the liver vessels are blocked, blood backs up, causing increased pressure in veins (portal hypertension). Varicosities (large dilated veins) may occur in the umbilical veins of the abdomen and internally, such as in the esophagus (esophageal varices) or nose, where they can rupture and bleed.
Swelling
Fluid builds up in your abdomen, causing ascites, a hugely distended abdomen that puts pressure on your lungs and causes shortness of breath. Your legs and ankles also may swell.
Encephalopathy
Encephalopathy (brain degeneration) may cause confusion, personality changes, asterix (flapping of your hands), poor coordination and eventual coma.
Skin Changes
The palms of your hands become reddened, and small spider angiomas with a red center and spider leg-like surrounding vessels appear.
General Changes
You lose weight and have muscle wasting, and your body hair becomes sparse.
