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Cirrhosis Symptoms: Advanced Fatty Liver Disease Can Be Indicated By Three Signs On Your Hands

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Today, having health insurance is nothing less than a basic necessity. The right health plan would ensure that you receive the much-needed financial aid as well as peace of mind in case of a medical emergency. You also need to keep in mind that while having an insurance plan is imperative,  avoiding diseases is not always possible. Despite being careful, sometimes we can fall prey to illnesses and diseases. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial when it comes to diseases that affect the main organs of the body. The human liver is one of them. Situated in the upper right part of the abdomen, the liver performs a number of functions. A liver disease, therefore, can lead to a number of complexities and hamper everyday life. In most cases, people do not notice any distinct symptoms in the early stages, which can further worsen the health of the liver. There are a number of complications that can arise in the liver, and most of them progress in stages. Cirrhosis is a disease that involves severe scarring of the liver. It typically occurs in the late stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver. The build-up of excess fat in the liver can cause fatty liver disease. Cirrhosis includes irreversible conditions such as fibrous thickening of tissues and degeneration of cells and inflammation. When untreated for long, it can lead to liver failure. In most cases, your regular or indemnity-based health insurance policy would cover illnesses of the liver such as Cirrhosis. But at the same time, you need to be aware of the symptoms so that you can catch the disease in the right stages. Let us discuss the signs on your hands that indicate advanced fatty liver disease. 
  • Symptom #1: Nail Abnormalities

Nail changes are probably the most prevalent symptoms when it comes to Cirrhosis, and about 80.5% of people who suffer from liver trouble displayed nail changes. Therefore, you need to watch out for "Terry's nails''. Terry's nails refer to pale and white nails that have an opaque appearance. When the liver struggles to perform, the nails can turn white, especially the index finger and thumb. Studies show that a common sign of liver failure is the whitening of the nail bed. While reversing Terry's nails may not be possible but following a healthy diet plan can help in reducing further damage.  Another signal your hands may be giving you is called spooning of the fingernail, here the edges become raised and scoop outward, like a spoon. Spoon fingernails need immediate medical attention as they can also be symptoms of life-threatening conditions.Tip: Omega-3 fatty acids help in improving nail health. After consulting your doctor you can try including seeds, nuts, and oily fish in your diet.
  • Symptom #2: Finger Clubbing

Swelling of the fingertips could indicate liver illness and finger clubbing, especially, is a symptom of severe liver trouble, especially cirrhosis. Balloon-like swelling around the nails is a symptom of cirrhosis and can often be linked to excessive alcohol intake. Apart from liver damage like cirrhosis, clubbing in the fingers can also be because of cancer, AIDS, and endocrine dysfunctions. This makes seeing a doctor an extreme priority.
  • Symptom #3: Redness in the Palms

Dilated blood vessels can bring redness to the palms, which is referred to as palmar erythema and is most commonly traced to liver illnesses. The rash-like redness mostly appears on the lower part of the palm, but it can extend to the fingers as well. You also need to know that the redness depends on factors like the body temperature of the patient, their physical activity, and sometimes their emotional and mental state as well. In some cases, the redness in the palms can also be caused due to medicines. There are some other symptoms such as involuntary hand jerking, also called tremors, that can indicate advanced fatty liver or cirrhosis and must not be ignored. The contractions of the muscles could be a neurological sign of chronic liver disease that causes hand tremors. This happens because of the inability of the liver to filter blood toxins. The unfiltered blood can cause impairment of brain functioning and lead to muscle control issues, especially in the hands. 

Conclusion

Liver illnesses can sometimes be hereditary, but in many cases, it can be due to unhealthy lifestyle choices. Drinking alcohol is a major reason for liver problems. If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, consulting a doctor should no longer be postponed. When your liver issues are resolved, the majority of the associated abnormalities would also go away. Make sure you get in touch with your doctor right away. A timely diagnosis can be very helpful in designing the right course of treatment. It is also recommended that you discuss any such health conditions with your health/ medical insurance provider.