What are the symptoms of early-stage liver cirrhosis?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, symptoms of early-stage liver cirrhosis may not be very obvious, but can include fatigue, decreased appetite, discomfort in the liver area, jaundice, spider angiomas, and palmar erythema. If any of these symptoms occur, timely medical evaluation is essential for early detection and treatment, controlling disease progression, improving quality of life, and preventing further deterioration of cirrhosis that could lead to severe complications.
In general, symptoms of early-stage liver cirrhosis may not be very obvious, but can include fatigue, loss of appetite, discomfort in the liver area, jaundice, spider angiomas, and palmar erythema. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Fatigue
Due to impaired liver function affecting the metabolism and absorption of nutrients, the body's energy supply becomes insufficient. Patients often feel tired and weak, and these symptoms are difficult to fully relieve even after rest.
2. Loss of appetite
Reduced bile secretion by the liver affects the digestion of fats and proteins, leading to varying degrees of anorexia. Patients may lose interest in food and eat less. Sometimes, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may also occur, indicating indigestion.
3. Discomfort in the liver area
Due to liver inflammation and fibrous tissue proliferation, nerve endings in the liver capsule become stimulated. Some patients may experience dull, distending, or aching pain in the liver area, typically occurring intermittently.
4. Jaundice
Damaged liver cells lead to abnormal bilirubin metabolism and elevated blood bilirubin levels. A minority of patients may develop mild jaundice, manifested as yellowing of the skin and sclera.
5. Spider angiomas and palmar erythema
Some patients may develop spider angiomas on the skin, commonly found on the face, neck, and upper chest. These lesions appear as a central red spot with radiating small blood vessels around it. Palmar erythema refers to redness of the skin on the thenar and hypothenar eminences of the palms, which fades under pressure. Both conditions are associated with decreased hepatic inactivation of estrogen.
Symptoms of early liver cirrhosis may be subtle and easily overlooked. However, if any of the above symptoms occur, timely medical evaluation is essential for early detection and treatment, helping to control disease progression, improve quality of life, and prevent further deterioration of cirrhosis that could lead to serious complications.
