An important organ that plays a vital role for sustaining life
Functions of the liver
Stores glycogen, a type of fuel the body needs for energy
Makes bile, which helps us digest fats
Makes substances that help blood to clot and repair damaged tissues
Processes and removes alcohol, toxins or medicines from the blood
Helps the body fight infections
Cirrhosis
Biologically caused by a build-up of fat in the liver cells, drinking too much alcohol over many years, hepatitis, scarring/inflammation of liver, excess iron in liver
Symptoms of Cirrhosis
Feel very tired and weak
Feel sick (nausea)
Lose your appetite
Loss of weight and muscle mass
Red patches on your palms and small, spider-like blood vessels on your skin
Symptoms of severe Cirrhosis
Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Vomiting blood & itchy skin
Dark pee and tarry-looking poo
Bleeding or bruising easily
Swollen legs (oedema) or tummy (ascites) from a build-up of fluid
Loss of sex drive (libido)
Diagnosing Cirrhosis
Blood tests
Scans, such as an ultrasound, CT, MRI, or transient elastography scan
Liver biopsy, where a fine needle is used to remove a sample of liver cells so they can be examined under a microscope
Treating Cirrhosis
Using anti-viral medicines to treat hepatitis C can stop cirrhosis getting worse
Cut down or stop drinking alcohol
Weight loss
Emotional/mental impacts of Cirrhosis
Frustration
Depression
Insomnia
Guilt
Communication impacts of Cirrhosis
Isolation
Inability to express feeling
Physical impacts of Cirrhosis
Tiredness, jaundice, swelling of legs, side-effects of medication, ascites etc could result in: work issues, problems exercise, inability to perform personal care, becoming housebound, might have to exercise more, eat a healthier diet