"What are the Clinical Symptoms and Physical Signs of Liver Cirrhosis?"
Typical Manifestations and Characteristics of Cirrhosis
The classic manifestations of cirrhosis include fatigue, anorexia, abdominal distension, among others, with jaundice occurring in some patients. Its primary feature is diffuse fibrosis of the liver accompanied by the formation of pseudo-lobules.
General Conditions
1. In the early stages, there are no overt specific symptoms, often manifesting as general fatigue, lack of energy, mental sluggishness, insomnia, or frequent dreams. As the disease progresses, symptoms may gradually worsen, including weight loss, edema in the lower extremities, a dull complexion, and dry, rough skin.
Digestive System Symptoms
2. These include decreased appetite, aversion to oily foods, nausea, vomiting, alternating diarrhea and constipation, upper abdominal discomfort, and dull pain. In severe cases, there may be hematemesis and melena.
Endocrine Dysfunction Symptoms
3. Due to hormonal metabolic disorders, men may experience gynecomastia, while women may have scanty menstrual flow or even amenorrhea. A minority of patients may also exhibit personality changes.
Portal Hypertension
4. Commonly seen in esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding, which typically occurs during vigorous physical activity after meals. If not treated promptly, it can lead to hemorrhagic shock and potentially life-threatening consequences.
Hypersplenism
5. Resulting from extensive necrosis of hepatocytes, residual cells have impaired synthesis of various coagulation factors, leading to symptoms such as gum bleeding, nosebleeds, subcutaneous ecchymoses, and fever.
Hepatorenal Syndrome
6. This syndrome is associated with hypoproteinemia and often precedes significant liver function impairment. It is accompanied by decreased urine output and azotemia.
Other less common symptoms include spider nevi, palmar erythema, ascites, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Upon diagnosis of cirrhosis, it is recommended to actively undergo standardized antiviral treatment to delay disease progression. Daily life should involve a light, easily digestible diet, avoiding high-salt foods to prevent or exacerbate ascites.
