Warning signs of cirrhosis of the liver: pay attention to these symptoms!

Warning signs of cirrhosis of the liver: pay attention to these symptoms!

liver cirrhosis is a serious illness that is characterized by progressive scarring of the liver tissue. In Germany, around 500,000 people are affected, which corresponds to an incidence of around 250 out of 100,000 people, with men twice as often affected as women. Every year, over 20,000 people in Germany die of chronic liver diseases. Often the symptoms only occur in an advanced stage, which results in a late diagnosis. As Merkur , skin changes can be important warning signals for this disease. In particular, Ikterus, also known as jaundice, often occurs and is caused by a bilirubin accumulation in the blood.

Other skin symptoms include "Spider Naevi", which describes star -shaped blood vessels, as well as redness in palms and soles of the feet (palmarerythem). Strong itching (pruritus), paint lips and paint tongue are also characteristic features. The causes of cirrhosis of the liver are diverse, among the most common are chronic hepatitis B, alcohol abuse and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (Nash). Furthermore, unhealthy diets and high consumption of sweetened drinks can damage the liver.

risk factors and prevention

Risk groups are primarily people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Prevention includes a healthy lifestyle, the waiver of liver -damaging substances and regular medical checks. While liver cirrhosis is not curable, early diagnoses and treatments can help to slow the progression. Diagnostics are carried out by blood tests and imaging procedures to determine the extent of the liver damage.

The main goal of the therapy is to avoid further liver damage and prevent complications that can lead to a liver coma and death. In order to stop the destruction of the liver, the causes of the disease must be eliminated in good time. With effective therapy, even a regression of the fibrosis is possible in the early stages.

complications and treatment approaches

In the further course, the progression of liver damage can be prevented or at least slowed down. Important complications that need to be treated include blood coagulation disorders, gate high pressure, abdominal water and hepatic encephalopathy. Nutrition also plays a crucial role: a healthy, energy and protein-rich diet must be observed, while alcohol consumption should be strictly avoided because it worsens the course of the disease considerably. Furthermore, regular check -ups are necessary in order to identify complications at an early stage and to prevent potential liver transplantation in the final stage.

according to the cause liver diseases every year around 2 million deaths and make up 4% of all deaths. The majority of these deaths occur in men. The most common causes are complications of cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma, with acute hepatitids make up a lower proportion. Medicine -induced liver damage is increasingly identified as a relevant cause.