What are the gastrointestinal symptoms of cirrhosis?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 08, 2025
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In the early stages of cirrhosis, many patients do not exhibit any symptoms, but some may experience fatigue, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and indigestion. Some patients might also suffer from portal hypertensive gastropathy due to cirrhosis, leading to symptoms such as pain and bloating in the upper abdomen, acid reflux, and belching. If the disease progresses to the decompensated stage of cirrhosis, portal hypertension can cause varices in the esophagus and stomach, which may lead to severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding if hard food is consumed. Symptoms can include vomiting dark red blood or fresh blood, dizziness, fatigue, and cold sweats. In such cases, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention for emergency treatment.

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Can you have intercourse after hepatic cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B?

Liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B, if not treated with standard antiviral therapy, is very likely to test positive for the hepatitis B virus. HBV-DNA is a good indicator of the hepatitis B virus; if HBV-DNA tests positive, then it is contagious. The main transmission routes of hepatitis B include mother-to-child transmission, blood and body fluid transmission, and sexual transmission between spouses, though this route carries a relatively lower risk. Why is this the case? Firstly, the spouse may already have hepatitis B surface antibodies, which are protective antibodies providing immunity against hepatitis B. Secondly, when adults are infected with hepatitis B, most can acutely clear the virus, preventing the chronic manifestation of the disease.

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Symptoms of alcoholic liver cirrhosis

Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholic liver disease, with alcoholic liver cirrhosis being one of its main manifestations. Initially, it presents with reduced liver function, symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, aversion to oily foods, diarrhea, and nausea, which are indicative of hepatitis. Additionally, there may be darkening of the skin, menstrual irregularities, and even signs like liver palms and spider angiomas due to metabolic disorders. Furthermore, disruptions in carbohydrate metabolism can lead to nutritional excess, increasing lipid levels in the body and leading to fatty liver and hyperlipidemia. There can also be abnormal protein synthesis, resulting in ascites, pleural effusion, and other symptoms of liver dysfunction. Additionally, abnormalities in vitamin metabolism can cause rough skin and edema. Coagulation factors are often abnormal as well, leading to symptoms such as bleeding gums and nosebleeds. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly in these situations to restore normal health.

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What are the gastrointestinal symptoms of cirrhosis?

In the early stages of cirrhosis, many patients do not exhibit any symptoms, but some may experience fatigue, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and indigestion. Some patients might also suffer from portal hypertensive gastropathy due to cirrhosis, leading to symptoms such as pain and bloating in the upper abdomen, acid reflux, and belching. If the disease progresses to the decompensated stage of cirrhosis, portal hypertension can cause varices in the esophagus and stomach, which may lead to severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding if hard food is consumed. Symptoms can include vomiting dark red blood or fresh blood, dizziness, fatigue, and cold sweats. In such cases, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention for emergency treatment.

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How to treat splenomegaly and liver cirrhosis?

Once liver cirrhosis is detected, accompanied by an enlarged spleen and hyperactive spleen function, this condition can be addressed through interventional methods to resolve issues of spleen enlargement and hyperfunction. This reduces the destruction of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The interventional approach primarily involves sterile necrosis and absorption of the spleen, thus resolving spleen issues. As for treating liver cirrhosis, it is primarily important to understand the causes of the cirrhosis. If the cirrhosis is caused by a virus, antiviral treatment is needed. There are corresponding antiviral medications for cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C. If the cirrhosis is caused by alcohol, it is essential to abstain from alcohol as part of the treatment. In addition, medications that combat liver cirrhosis should be used.

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Do you need a liver transplant in the early stages of cirrhosis?

In the early stages of cirrhosis, liver transplant is not necessary. Early-stage cirrhosis requires timely and comprehensive auxiliary examinations to determine the cause of the cirrhosis. This includes determining whether it is due to viral hepatitis, cholestatic hepatitis, or drug-induced hepatitis, among others. Once a patient exhibits early signs of cirrhosis, it is crucial to treat the specific cause and symptoms actively, and undertake proactive liver protection treatments. It is also essential to prevent complications associated with cirrhosis, such as esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding, primary liver cancer, hepatorenal syndrome, liver disease, and ascites.