Flu like symptoms

[Emma0409]

Husband has cirrhosis and is weekly having flu like symptoms, is it connected?

[bonpenguin]

I copied/pasted this info from:

Cirrhosis of the liver — symptoms, management and treatment

irtces.com/cirrhosis.htm

Cirrhosis of the liver

OVERVIEW

Hampered liver function

Cirrhosis is the presence of scar tissue in the liver, the largest solid organ in your body. The early signs of cirrhosis are often subtle, making it likely to go undetected for several years. Later, it can cause flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. In later stages it can cause malnutrition, swelling in the legs (edema) or abdomen (ascities), and jaundice.

If the disease progresses into "decompensated" cirrhosis, the liver becomes too damaged to function properly. Most often the result of heavy drinking over a period of many years, the scarring of liver tissue characteristic of cirrhosis can also be caused by viral hepatitis, several inherited diseases and, less frequently, by exposure to environmental toxins or severe reactions to prescribed medications.

The first line of defense against cirrhosis is to remove, if possible, the cause of the damage. If the cirrhosis is alcohol-induced, stopping drinking immediately will halt the damage. When caused by hepatitis or another disease, treating the disease is the crucial. If caught early, the symptoms of cirrhosis can be controlled.

Detailed Description

Performing a number of functions, the liver is vital to good health. It is responsible for filtering all the blood in the body and removing toxins and waste. It also produces the proteins the body needs for energy and other processes, such as blood clotting. It is responsible for carbohydrate, fat, protein metabolism and vitamin storage. It also produces bile, which your body uses to digest fats. It also plays a role in immune functions.

The scar tissue that forms in cirrhosis destroys the structure of the liver, blocking the flow of blood through the organ. The loss of normal liver tissue slows the processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs, and toxins by the liver. Also slowed is production of proteins and other substances made by the liver.

If left unchecked, cirrhosis can lead to mental dysfunction, such as confusion and disorientation, hemorrhage, and kidney or liver failure.

How Common Is Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is the seventh leading cause of death by disease in the United States and the third leading cause of death for adults between ages 45 and 65. About 25,000 people die from cirrhosis each year, though many more suffer the symptoms for years. An estimated 50% of cases are alcohol-induced. Women are more sensitive to the toxic effects of alcohol than men, and, even though they drink less, are more likely to develop cirrhosis.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

Goals of Treatment

The damage to liver tissue caused by cirrhosis is permanent, but your liver can function even when part of it is damaged. Medications for less serious symptoms and surgery in more advanced stages can keep the effects on your life to a minimum. For treatment to be successful, it is crucial to arrest the destruction of tissue by removing or neutralizing the underlying cause.

Treatment Overview

Treatment for cirrhosis depends on what stage the disease was diagnosed and the underlying cause. Delaying or preventing continued damage to the liver is the first goal of treatment. If alcohol is the issue, your doctor will work with you to find a treatment program or support system. If the cirrhosis is caused by hepatitis, your doctor will prescribe medications to keep the hepatitis in check. If the liver damage is in its later stages, transplant surgery may be necessary.

*More information on author's website: irtces.com/cirrhosis.htm

[AyrshireK]

It depends on what you mean by flu like symptoms. A list of symptoms common with cirrhosis is detailed on the British Liver Trust page on cirrhosis at:- britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

You'll find that aches, pains, fevers and such like are listed there. Perhaps a trip to GP is required or an appointment with hubbies specialist.

Katie

[Emma0409 in reply to AyrshireK]

Great info, many thanks.

Maggie.