Liver Cirrhosis

Signs and symptoms

Fatigue

Persistent tiredness, lack of energy are common symptoms of liver cirrhosis, often affecting daily activities .

Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment, in the bloodstream. It occurs when the liver is unable to effectively process bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in the body.

Abdominal Pain or Discomfort:

Some individuals may experience abdominal pain or discomfort, often in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, where the liver is located.

Edema

Edema is the buildup of fluid in the body's tissues, leading to swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Easy Bruising or Bleeding

Liver cirrhosis can lead to decreased production of clotting factors and platelets, increasing the risk of easy bruising and bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums.

Itchy Skin

Some individuals with cirrhosis may experience persistent itching , which can be attributed to the buildup of bile salts in the bloodstream due to impaired liver function.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Liver cirrhosis can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation.

Changes in Mental Function

Advanced liver cirrhosis can lead to cognitive changes, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems, collectively known as hepatic encephalopathy.

Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite

Some individuals with cirrhosis may experience unintentional weight loss and a reduced appetite .

Ascites

Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, leading to abdominal swelling. It occurs due to increased pressure in the veins of the liver (portal hypertension), which causes fluid to leak into the abdomen.

Spider Angiomas

Spider angiomas are small, spider-like blood vessels that may appear on the skin, particularly on the chest, shoulders, and face. They are caused by increased pressure in the blood vessels of the skin.

Increased Susceptibility to Infections

Liver cirrhosis can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, including respiratory infections, urinary tract infections.

Complications

1. Varices

   Due to portal hypertension , veins gets dilated leading to varices e.g esophageal , gastric varices which can lead to severe bleeding

2. Hepatic Encephalopathy

   Buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, such as ammonia, due to impaired liver function. Hepatic encephalopathy can lead to cognitive changes, confusion, altered consciousness, and coma.

3. Hepatorenal Syndrome

   Progressive kidney dysfunction secondary to liver cirrhosis, characterised by decreased kidney function, low urine output, and electrolyte imbalances.

4. Hepatopulmonary Syndrome

   A condition characterised by abnormal widening of the blood vessels in the lungs due to liver dysfunction which can lead to shortness of breath, hypoxemia (low oxygen levels), and difficulty breathing, particularly with exertion.

5. Malnutrition

   Liver cirrhosis can impair the absorption and metabolism of nutrients, leading to malnutrition, weight loss, and muscle wasting.

6. Hormonal Imbalances

   Liver cirrhosis can affect hormone production, leading to hormonal imbalances, including hypogonadism (reduced sex hormone production), gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue in men), and menstrual irregularities in women.

7. Bone Disorders

   Liver cirrhosis can lead to bone disorders such as osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones) and osteomalacia (softening of bones), due to impaired vitamin D metabolism and decreased bone density.

8. Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances

   Liver cirrhosis can disrupt fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, leading hyponatremia (low sodium levels), hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), and alkalosis or acidosis

9. Hepatocellular Carcinoma

   Liver cirrhosis is a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer

Diagnosis

1. Liver Function tests

   to assess levels of liver enzymes like ALT , AST.Abnormal LFT results can indicate liver damage or dysfunction.

2. Complete Blood Count

   A blood test to assess for anaemia, thrombocytopenia , and other blood abnormalities.

3. Coagulation Studies

   Tests to assess blood clotting function, including prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).

4. Autoimmune Markers

   Blood tests to detect autoimmune markers associated with autoimmune liver diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis or primary biliary cholangitis.

5. USG

   to assess liver size, texture, and blood flow, as well as detect the presence of liver nodules, ascites.

6. CT Scan or MRI

   to detect liver lesions, assess portal hypertension

7. FibroScan

   A non-invasive imaging technique that measures liver stiffness, which can help assess the degree of liver cirrhosis.

Homoeopathy and Liver Cirrhosis

Homoeopathy offers a holistic approach to liver cirrhosis management, aiming to address underlying imbalances and promote self-healing. Several homoeopathic remedies show promise in alleviating cirrhosis symptoms and supporting liver function.

Homoeopathic medicines for liver cirrhosis

1. Carduus Marianus
   • Pain in region of liver
   • There is sensation of fullness and soreness with moist skin
   • Constipation with stools hard , knotty alternates with diarrhoea
   • Stools are bright yellow
   • Hyperaemia of liver with jaundice
   • Cirrhosis with dropsy
   • Appetite reduced , nausea , retching , vomiting of green , acid fluid
2. Lycopodium
   • It is useful remedy with weak digestive system where the functions of liver is seriously disturbed
   • Skin shows yellowish spots
   • Bloating of abdomen after a light meal
   • Liver is sensitive
   • Brown spots on abdomen
   • Dropsy due to hepatic disease
   • Pain shooting across lower abdomen from right to left
   • Stools are hard , small and difficult and incomplete
3. Phosphorus
   • Weak , empty all gone sensation felt in abdomen
   • Liver gets congested
   • Acute hepatitis
   • Jaundice
   • Large yellow spots on abdomen
   • Vomiting , water is thrown up as soon as it gets warm in stomach
   • Stools are long , narrow, hard like a dog’s stools
   • Painless , copious debilitating diarrhea with green mucus like sago
   • Great weakness after stools
   • Wounds bleed easily
   • Petechiae , ecchymosis
4. Nux Vomica
   • Abdominal colic with flatulent distention
   • Liver engorged, with stitches and soreness
   • Sour taste and nausea in the morning after eating
   • Epigastric region bloated with pressure as of a stone after eating
   • Wants to vomit but cannot
   • Constipation with frequent urging, feeling as if some part remained unexpelled
   • Patient suffers from alternate diarrhoea and constipation
   • Diarrhoea with jaundice
5. Arsenic Album
   • Patient gets exhausted after slightest exertion
   • Pain in abdomen like gnawing, burning pains like coals of fire relieved by heat
   • Liver and spleen painful and enlarged
   • Ascites and anasarca
   • Abdomen is swollen and painful
   • Cannot bear the sight and smell of food
   • Nausea , retching and vomiting , after eating and drinking

Benefits of Homoeopathic Treatment

1. Individualised Care: Homoeopathy recognizes that each person is unique. A homoeopath will assess your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle to prescribe a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
2. Gentle and Natural: Homoeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances and are known for their minimal side effects. They work in harmony with the body, promoting self-healing and overall well-being.
3. Holistic Approach: Homoeopathy takes into account not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and mental aspects of an individual. It aims to restore balance at all levels, providing comprehensive care.
4. Long-Term Relief: By addressing the underlying causes of Ulcerative Colitis,homoeopathy strives to achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life.

Consulting a Homeopath

Individualised treatment is paramount in Sanjivani homoeopathy, emphasising detailed case analysis and personalised remedies. Consulting a qualified Sanjivani homoeopath allows for tailored treatment plans, incorporating dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and specific remedies to address liver cirrhosis comprehensively. Regular monitoring and adjustments ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes and long-term benefits.