What happens if someone with cirrhosis overexerts themselves?
Disease description:
Grandfather has cirrhosis of the liver and, for certain reasons, stayed home to take care of the child for a day. Upon returning, we noticed that Grandfather was severely overworked. What are the consequences of excessive fatigue for someone with cirrhosis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Excessive fatigue in patients with cirrhosis may trigger a series of serious consequences:
1. Worsening hepatic encephalopathy: Fatigue reduces the liver's ability to metabolize harmful substances such as ammonia. Ammonia accumulates and enters the brain, causing cognitive impairment, behavioral abnormalities, or even coma.
2. Accelerated liver failure: Increased burden on hepatocytes accelerates cell necrosis, possibly causing symptoms such as jaundice and coagulation disorders, which can be life-threatening in severe cases.
3. Increased risk of bleeding: Fatigue-induced elevation in blood pressure may lead to bleeding from portal hypertension, resulting in massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage symptoms such as hematemesis and melena.
4. Electrolyte imbalance: Fatigue disrupts electrolyte metabolism, leading to problems such as muscle cramps and arrhythmias.
5. Weakened immune system: Fatigue places the body in a state of stress, reducing immunity and increasing the risk of infections such as bacterial peritonitis.
