In the early stages of cirrhosis, is there abdominal bloating and stomach pain?

Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

Updated on January 22, 2025

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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 Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

52sec

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Does early-stage cirrhosis hurt when pressed?

The anatomical location of the liver is covered by the ribs, so generally, the liver cannot be felt below the lower edge of the ribs, and since it is covered by the ribs, the liver cannot be pressed, hence there is no such thing as pain upon pressing. When we generally check for liver pain, we use percussion pain. By percussing the area of the liver, which is under the rib area, pain can be elicited in the liver, this is called percussion pain. The liver generally does not have tenderness because it simply cannot be pressed. Early stages of liver cirrhosis usually exhibit little to no pain sensation. However, some symptoms might appear during the decompensated phase, such as fatigue, weight loss, dull complexion, reduced urine output, edema, and spider angiomata, among other symptoms.

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Written by Huang Gang

Gastroenterology

1min 2sec

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How long does it take for fatty liver to progress to cirrhosis?

How long does it take for fatty liver to progress to cirrhosis? Fatty liver is generally divided into mild, moderate, and severe fatty liver. If it is mild or moderate fatty liver, it can be reversed through proper exercise and diet control, meaning it can be cured. However, once it progresses to severe fatty liver, it can easily develop into cirrhosis, but the specific time required is about five years. Therefore, once we have fatty liver, it must be taken very seriously. With the improvement of living standards, most people are obese, which means that fatty liver is mostly caused by obesity. In terms of treatment, the focus is mainly on the cause, which is obesity. Patients need to follow a reasonable diet and actively exercise to lose weight. If successful in losing weight, fatty liver can be reversed, and we do not have to worry about fatty liver developing into cirrhosis.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 9sec

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What should be noted in the early stages of cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a disease characterized by diffuse fibrosis of the liver tissue, pseudolobules, and regenerative nodules. In China, it is mostly caused by chronic hepatitis B, with a small portion caused by chronic hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease. What should be noted if someone has cirrhosis? Firstly, alcohol consumption should be restricted; regardless of whether the cirrhosis is alcohol-related, abstaining from alcohol is critical as it can further damage the liver cells; Secondly, a low-sodium diet is advised, meaning that salt intake should be reduced. Excessive salt can lead to fluid retention, resulting in ascites or edema; Thirdly, increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits and intake some high-quality proteins, such as beans or fish, but avoid raw seafood; Lastly, be cautious with the use of various medications. Drugs that cause liver damage should be avoided to prevent exacerbating cirrhosis.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

48sec

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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

54sec

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Why does cirrhosis cause increasing weight loss and what can be done about it?

The reason why patients with cirrhosis are becoming thinner might be due to the decreased protein synthesis function of the liver after cirrhosis, leading to progressively lesser protein in the body, which results in the patient becoming thinner. It could also be because cirrhosis leads to poor digestion and absorption in patients, thereby reducing their absorption capacity and causing them to lose weight. Under these circumstances, some medications can be used for treatment, such as the infusion of albumin to supplement plasma proteins in the body. It is also important to actively treat the underlying cause of cirrhosis. For example, in the case of alcoholic cirrhosis, active efforts to abstain from alcohol and rehabilitative treatment are necessary. If the cirrhosis is caused by chronic hepatitis B virus infection, antiviral treatment should be administered.