Does early-stage cirrhosis exhibit spleen enlargement?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 14, 2025
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In the early stages of cirrhosis, spleen enlargement may occur, but generally, it is only a mild enlargement of the spleen. If the spleen shows significant enlargement, it generally indicates that the cirrhosis is no longer in the early stages. The main symptoms in the early stages of cirrhosis include an enlarged spleen, as well as denser liver parenchyma echoes and an uneven liver capsule surface. Once these early signs of cirrhosis appear, it is necessary to identify the cause as soon as possible and adopt cause-specific treatment. For example, if the cirrhosis is due to alcohol abuse, then it is necessary to abstain from alcohol. If it is due to chronic hepatitis B virus infection, antiviral treatments such as entecavir should be used. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
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Is hepatitis B cirrhosis contagious?

If hepatitis B is not well controlled, it can easily lead to the occurrence of cirrhosis. After the hepatitis B virus infects the human body, it causes repeated inflammatory damage to the liver, with recurring abnormalities in liver function. If during this period there is no formal antiviral treatment or lack of attention, it is very likely to lead to the development of cirrhosis. Once cirrhosis from hepatitis B occurs, it is generally irreversible. Cirrhosis due to hepatitis B is also an infectious disease, and its level of infectiousness mainly depends on the presence of the virus. If the viral load is positive, indicated by a positive HBV-DNA test, then it is infectious. If HBV-DNA is negative, then it is not infectious. Therefore, whether cirrhosis from hepatitis B is infectious primarily depends on the level of HBV-DNA.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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In the early stages of cirrhosis, is there abdominal bloating and stomach pain?

Early-stage cirrhosis generally does not result in abdominal distension or stomach pain, and individuals in the early stages of liver cirrhosis might not exhibit any discomfort symptoms. However, if liver function reaches an advanced stage, complications like ascites associated with cirrhosis might occur, leading to abdominal distension. There might also be the occurrence of conditions like portal vein thrombosis, which can cause stomach pain, and possibly primary peritonitis, which can induce abdominal pain in patients. It is necessary to promptly identify the cause and adopt appropriate treatment measures. For example, if the stomach pain is caused by primary peritonitis, active anti-infection treatments should be applied.

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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Can alcoholic liver cirrhosis be cured?

Cirrhosis caused by alcohol can be treated clinically. The first and foremost treatment for alcoholic cirrhosis is abstinence from alcohol. If one cannot abstain, no treatment will achieve the desired effect or be of much use. Once cirrhosis has developed, the condition cannot be reversed; it can only be managed with medications to slow the progression of the cirrhosis and reduce the occurrence of complications. If financial circumstances allow, a liver transplant can be considered for treatment. Naturally, alcoholic cirrhosis can also be treated with a liver transplant. Thus, alcoholic cirrhosis is a treatable condition.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is it serious if someone with cirrhosis doesn't have bowel movements?

Cirrhosis without bowel movements does not necessarily mean that the condition is very severe. Patients with cirrhosis who have no bowel movements might be experiencing poor digestion, leading to slow intestinal movements and subsequently constipation. However, constipation can potentially trigger hepatic encephalopathy, thus it requires proactive treatment. Oral lactulose can be used for bowel movement, or an enema with white vinegar to acidify the intestines can also be administered. Patients with cirrhosis who develop hepatic encephalopathy, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or primary peritonitis are experiencing severe conditions and need to actively undergo corresponding treatment measures. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is early-stage cirrhosis easy to detect?

Early-stage liver cirrhosis can be detected through abdominal ultrasound examinations or blood tests, such as liver function tests, liver fibrosis quartet tests, or transient elastography of the liver. Once early-stage liver cirrhosis is diagnosed, further diagnostic tests are necessary to promptly determine the underlying causes of liver cirrhosis, allowing for causal and symptomatic treatment to begin as soon as possible. After the onset of liver cirrhosis, it is crucial to regularly complete abdominal ultrasound examinations and gastroscopy to check for the presence of complications such as ascites or bleeding from esophagogastric varices, among others.