Symptom: Jaundice
Jaundice is a common sign of advanced liver disease. It is characterized by the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. This condition occurs when there is a blockage or damage to the bile duct, leading to an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin, but when it fails to do so, jaundice becomes apparent.
Symptom: Dilated Esophageal Veins in Cirrhosis
In the progression of liver damage, cirrhosis emerges as a significant concern. One of the consequences of cirrhosis is the enlargement of veins in the esophagus. This enlargement occurs due to the blockage in the portal vein, which leads to the backflow of blood into other blood vessels. The increased blood volume in these vessels can exceed their capacity, resulting in potential bleeding. This condition poses a critical, life-threatening emergency that demands prompt medical intervention.