Cirrhosis often has no signs or symptoms until liver damage is extensive. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Fatigue
• Bleeding easily
• Bruising easily
• Itchy skin
• Yellow discoloration in the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Fluid accumulation in your abdomen (ascites)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Swelling in your legs
• Weight loss
• Confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech (hepatic encephalopathy)
• Spider-like blood vessels on your skin

Dr. Bhatti may confirm the diagnosis of cirrhosis with:

• a medical and family history
• a physical exam
• a blood test
• imaging tests
• a liver biopsy

Treatment for cirrhosis depends on the cause of the disease and whether complications are present. In the early stages, the goals are to slow the progression of tissue scarring in the liver and prevent complications. As cirrhosis progresses, a person may need additional treatments and hospitalization to manage complications. Treatment may include:

• avoiding alcohol and illegal substances
• vaccinations and medication for hepatitis A and B, which can cause cirrhosis to worsen
• medications for cirrhosis-related complications
• banding, treating varices (enlarged veins in lower esophagus)
• ERCP, to remove gallstones
• a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy for liver cancer
• a liver transplant

If you are suffering from cirrhosis, contact Dr. Bhatti to schedule an appointment for treatment. Dr. Bhatti is board-certified and has decades of experience treating patients throughout the state of Minnesota. Our primary clinics are located in Edina and Chaska.