Primary Biliary Cirrhosis - Essay Example

Cirrhosis does not show any signs or symptoms in the earlier stages. The symptoms include fatigue, bleeding, itchy skin, jaundice, ascites, nausea, edema of lower limbs, weight loss and confusion. Once an individual shows such signs, it is important to have them tested or scanned to establish the problems with their liver (Healthcote, 2003). There are other diseases that have similar clinical manifestations so it is advised that one should have regular scans to avoid cases where cirrhosis could progress to lethal stages (Stephen, 2010).

Cirrhosis is caused by the formation of tissues in the liver as the liver strains in its activities. In the process, the liver gets injured and in its repairing mechanism, there is the formation of scar fibrous material. The accumulation of the materials is what causes cirrhosis. Other factors that cause cirrhosis include hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, biliary atresia, galactosemia, hepatitis, alcohol abuse, primary, sclerosing cholangitis and schistosomiasis (The Mayo Clinic; Kushner and Edwards, 1993).

Imaging through magnetic resonance elastography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography are used to see the liver damage. The doctor also gets the patient’s history before administering a plan. Cirrhosis may be controlled by changing lifestyles for the alcohol takers. Hepatitis can be controlled and nutritional supplements can be used to prevent further damage (Stephen, 2010).