End-stage liver disease (ESLD) represents the advanced and often irreversible phase of liver damage, marked by severe impairment in liver function and significant scarring, known as cirrhosis. This condition typically develops over years or even decades as a result of chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis B or C, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or autoimmune hepatitis.
In ESLD, the liver's ability to perform vital functions like detoxification, metabolism, and protein synthesis becomes severely compromised. Symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), hepatic encephalopathy (confusion and cognitive impairment due to toxin buildup), and easy bruising or bleeding.
At this stage, treatment options are limited, focusing primarily on managing symptoms and complications. Liver transplantation may be the only curative option for some patients with ESLD, although not all patients are eligible or have access to this procedure.
End-stage liver disease, commonly referred to as cirrhosis, occurs when enough of the liver is damaged beyond repair leading to liver failure. For more details, visit: https://newhopehealth.com/take-care-of-your-liver-before-its-too-late/.