Symptoms of CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

Symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver vary with the degree of liver injury that is present. Early on fatigue, generalized weakness, poor appetite and weight loss may occur. Other symptoms that may occur early in the course of this disorder include nausea, swelling or discomfort in the right upper abdomen and red palms. Later stages of the disease may produce jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes. Dark yellow or brown urine may occur. Spider angioma, which are small vessels in the skin that spread out from a central point, like a spider, may appear. There may be hair loss and enlargement of the breasts in men. Fluid may accumulate in the abdomen, leading to abdominal swelling. Enlargement of the spleen may lead to left upper abdominal discomfort. The veins of the esophagus may dilate leading to esophageal varices. These can bleed, producing blood in the vomit, or black, tarry stools. Bleeding and easy bruising may occur as the clotting factors are not normally produced. Liver failure can lead to mental confusion, coma and death