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Liver fibrosis refers to the buildup of scar tissue in the liver.1 It is the first stage of liver disease, also known as cirrhosis. When caught early, liver fibrosis may be reversible. Treating liver fibrosis early can help you improve liver function and avoid severe liver damage.

Here’s a look at symptoms and causes of liver fibrosis.

Common Symptoms of Liver Fibrosis

Early, mild cases of liver fibrosis may not cause any noticeable symptoms.1 Many times, symptoms appear later on after the disease has progressed to a later stage.

Early liver fibrosis symptoms may include2:

  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Itching skin
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle loss and weakness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Mild discomfort or pain in the upper right belly
  • Sexual dysfunction

Symptoms typically become more severe as liver fibrosis progresses. Signs that indicate liver damage may be progressing include2:

  • Bruising and bleeding easily
  • Cognitive problems, including memory loss, confusion and mental cloudiness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Severe itching skin
  • Jaundice
  • Dark urine
  • Swelling of the abdomen
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
  • Internal bleeding in the intestines, stomach and/or esophagus

What Causes Liver Fibrosis?

Chronic inflammation, or hepatitis, is usually the root cause of liver fibrosis.1 When the liver becomes inflamed, the body makes extra collagen to protect the liver from toxins and other threats. Over time, when inflammation doesn’t go away, the excess collagen stiffens around the liver to cause fibrosis.

Inflammation of the liver may be caused by one or more factors. Common liver fibrosis causes include2, 3:

  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Use of intravenous drugs
  • Excess fat buildup in the liver
  • Poor nutrition
  • Obesity
  • Chronic hepatitis B or C
  • Certain medications
  • OTC pain relievers
  • Excess vitamin A
  • Chronic heart failure with liver congestion
  • Inherited liver disease
  • Diseases that affect the bile ducts
  • Regular exposure to toxic chemicals
  • Regular exposure to blood and body fluids
  • Autoimmune hepatitis

Testing for Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis can be diagnosed with a review of your medical history, a physical exam and various tests—including blood tests, imaging tests and liver biopsy.1, 4, 5 Your doctor will determine which testing methods are best based on your symptoms and medical history.

Blood tests can help your doctor determine the severity of your cirrhosis and whether hepatitis is causing your symptoms.5 Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, MRI and X-ray, can reveal the size, shape and texture of the liver, as well as the amount of fat in the liver. Biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample from the liver and may be performed when other tests are inconclusive.

Ask your doctor about a liver fibrosis test if you have symptoms of this condition or meet risk factors for it. Early detection and treatment can pave the way to a faster overall recovery.

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Liver Fibrosis Treatment

Treatments for liver fibrosis are usually selected based on the severity, symptoms and root causes of your condition. Your doctor will work with you to develop a personalized liver fibrosis treatment plan based on these factors.

Common treatments include6:

  • Alcohol abstinence
  • Alcohol treatment
  • Weight loss
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Antiviral medications
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Bile duct surgery
  • Discontinuation of certain medications
  • ACE inhibitors and blood pressure medications

Other ways to maintain your liver health during liver fibrosis treatment:

Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Fibrosis

Is liver fibrosis reversible?

Yes, research indicates that some cases of liver fibrosis may be reversed.1, 7 For instance, alcohol abstinence may reverse liver fibrosis caused by heavy alcohol use and lead to the generation of new, healthy liver tissues and cells.8 Exercise and weight loss may reverse cases of liver fibrosis caused by obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.6 Though it’s possible to reverse liver fibrosis, it’s important to note that this process may take many years.

What are the stages of liver disease?

Liver disease develops gradually over time through a series of stages.3 The first stage is chronic inflammation, or hepatitis.1 The second stage is fibrosis, which is the buildup of scar tissue triggered by persistent inflammation.

The third stage is cirrhosis, which is severe scarring of the liver. Cirrhosis cannot be reversed, though further scarring may be slowed or stopped.

The fourth and final stage of liver fibrosis is liver failure, which is when your liver can no longer function adequately. Many times, liver transplantation is necessary to survive during this stage.

If you are living with liver fibrosis, our liver doctors at WellMed can work with you to create a personalized treatment plan for your stage of disease. With the right support and treatment, it is possible to manage liver fibrosis and work toward reversing your condition.

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