Actress and Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner Sana Makbul recently opened up about her ongoing health struggles. After a tough battle with autoimmune hepatitis, the actress revealed that she's now been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.
"Recently things got worse. My immune system started attacking my liver more aggressively, and I’ve now been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. I'm trying to stay strong and taking one day at a time," she stated to Hindustan Times.
But what exactly is liver cirrhosis? Let’s break it down simply.
What is Liver Cirrhosis?
According to WebMD, Liver cirrhosis is a serious medical condition that occurs when the healthy tissue of the liver gets replaced by scar tissue over time. This scarring happens as a result of long-term inflammation in the liver. As the scarring increases, the liver struggles to perform its primary functions, which are filtering toxins, aiding digestion, storing nutrients, and fighting infections.
When damage builds up too much, it can lead to chronic liver failure, which is life-threatening.
Causes of Liver Cirrhosis
While alcohol use is a well-known cause, many other conditions can lead to cirrhosis. Some of the major causes of Liver Cirrhosis as per the Cleveland Clinic report are:
Heavy alcohol consumption over time
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (linked to obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol)
Chronic hepatitis B or C infections
Autoimmune hepatitis, like in Sana’s case, where the immune system attacks liver cells
Genetic conditions such as Wilson disease or cystic fibrosis
Certain medications or toxins taken long-term
Heart conditions that affect blood flow to and from the liver
Early symptoms to watch out for
In the beginning, cirrhosis may go unnoticed. But some subtle signs, as per medical reports, include:
Loss of appetite
Constant fatigue
Nausea
Discomfort in the upper right abdomen
Red palms or spider-like blood vessels on the skin
Signs that Cirrhosis is advancing
As the disease progresses, symptoms become more obvious and dangerous:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Itchy skin
Dark urine and pale stool
Confusion or memory issues (due to toxins building up in the brain)
Swelling in the abdomen or legs
Internal bleeding
Hormonal imbalances (like irregular periods or breast enlargement in men)
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any concerns or questions regarding your health or medical condition.
