Nausea and Vomiting in Liver Cirrhosis: What Stage Does It Belong To?

Nausea and vomiting are commonly associated with the decompensated stage of liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis can be classified into two main stages: compensated cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis. Below is a detailed explanation of each:

Compensated Cirrhosis: In this early stage, liver function remains relatively stable and may still appear normal. Patients often do not experience noticeable symptoms. However, some may feel mild fatigue or slight abdominal discomfort.

Decompensated Cirrhosis: This stage marks a significant decline in liver function, where the organ can no longer maintain normal physiological processes. Symptoms such as persistent nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, and even low-grade fever may occur. At this point, prompt medical attention is crucial. Hospitalization may be necessary to restore liver function, alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, reduce fluid accumulation (ascites), and prevent further complications.

Patients experiencing nausea and vomiting due to liver cirrhosis are at higher risk for serious complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, and even liver cancer. It is strongly recommended that these individuals seek immediate care from specialized departments such as infectious disease clinics, gastroenterology units, or hepatology centers.