The liver does not produce enough clotting factors – you suddenly get bruises or bleeding from small cuts.
10. Swelling of the feet and ankles.
Water retention (edema) in the lower limbs results from an alteration in blood flow and fluid balance.
11. Confusion, memory problems
Hepatic encephalopathy occurs when toxins reach the brain, manifesting as confusion, “brain fog,” and even personality changes.
12. Varicose veins on the skin
Small red veins that spread like spider veins on the face, chest or neck signal a hormonal imbalance due to a damaged liver.
When should we be worried?
If you experience even a few of these symptoms at the same time, take action. Don’t attribute them to stress or age. See a doctor and have your liver function tested. The earlier cirrhosis is detected, the more can be done to stop, or even partially reverse, the damage.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can develop cirrhosis, but the following people are particularly at risk:
heavy alcohol consumers;
people with hepatitis B or C;
patients with hepatic steatosis;
people with metabolic or autoimmune liver diseases;
