When the liver hardens, will the head know first? Remind! If these conditions occur on the head, it is advisable to have an early check-up
The liver, as the "chemical factory" of the human body, is responsible for important functions such as detoxification, metabolism, and storage. However, when the liver is attacked by disease, especially cirrhosis, its function is severely affected. Surprisingly, the early signs of liver problems sometimes don't manifest themselves directly in the liver itself, but in the head first. This article will reveal what conditions in the head can be warning signs of cirrhosis and highlight the importance of early detection.
1. Introduction to liver cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by the gradual replacement of liver tissue with scar tissue, resulting in irreversible changes in liver structure and function. The main causes of cirrhosis include long-term alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis, fatty liver, etc. There are usually no obvious symptoms in the early stages of cirrhosis, but as the disease progresses, patients may develop severe symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
2. Early warning signs of liver cirrhosis in the head.
Hair is dry and easy to break: The liver is an important organ for the synthesis and storage of vitamins, including vitamins A and E, which are essential for hair health. When liver function is impaired, the synthesis and storage of these vitamins will be affected, resulting in hair that is not adequately nourished and becomes dry and prone to breakage.
Itchy scalp: Cirrhosis may lead to cholestasis, which prevents substances such as bilirubin from being excreted from the body normally. These substances accumulate in the bloodstream and may irritate the nerve endings and cause scalp itching.
Facial pigmentation: The liver is the main organ for detoxification, and when liver function is impaired, the excretion of toxins in the body will be affected. These toxins can be deposited on the face**, leading to facial pigmentation and a "liver disease face".
Xanthochromia of the sclera: The sclera is the outer structure of the eyeball, which is normally white. However, when liver function is severely impaired, a disorder of bilirubin metabolism causes the blood to increase the level of bilirubin, giving the sclera a yellow color, which is typical of jaundice.
Bleeding gums: The liver is an important site for the synthesis of clotting factors. In cirrhosis, the liver's ability to synthesize clotting factors decreases, leading to coagulation dysfunction. This may manifest as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, and other bleeding tendencies.
Headache and dizziness: Cirrhosis may lead to portal hypertension, which obstructs blood circulation to the portal system. This can affect the blood flow to the brain**, causing symptoms such as headaches and dizziness.
3. The importance of early examination.
When the head has the above conditions, a high level of suspicion should be placed on the spot for the possibility of cirrhosis. Patients with early cirrhosis have the potential to reverse or partially reverse liver damage through promptly** and lifestyle modifications. Therefore, early detection and cirrhosis are crucial.
To confirm the diagnosis of cirrhosis, your doctor may recommend a series of tests, including liver function tests, hepatitis virus tests, abdominal ultrasounds, CT or MRI scans, and more. These tests help to assess the function and structure of the liver and provide a basis for formulating a ** plan.
4. Prevention of liver cirrhosis and**.
The key to preventing cirrhosis is to avoid and reduce risk factors for liver damage. This includes limiting or abstaining from alcohol, getting vaccinated against hepatitis, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and more. For patients who already have chronic liver disease, liver function tests should be performed regularly so that cirrhosis can be detected in time.
Cirrhosis includes drugs, interventions, and liver transplantation. Drugs are mainly aimed at liver cirrhosis and complications, such as antiviral drugs, hepatoprotective drugs, etc. Interventions**, such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS), can be used to relieve symptoms such as portal hypertension. For patients with end-stage cirrhosis, liver transplantation may be the only effective method.
5. Summary. Certain symptoms on the head may be early warning signs of cirrhosis and should be taken seriously. Through early detection and cirrhosis, we can effectively protect liver function and avoid worsening of the condition. Therefore, it is recommended that you pay attention to your physical condition in your daily life, and seek medical examination in time if you find any abnormalities. At the same time, maintaining good lifestyle habits and regular physical examinations are key measures to prevent liver cirrhosis. Let's cherish life and pay attention to liver health!