Alpha-1 Liver Disease: Symptoms Make an Appointment Refer a Patient Ask a Question Reviewed by Karin A. Pacheco, MD, MSPH, Robert A. Sandhaus, MD, PhD, FCCP (November 01, 2017) Many people with Alpha-1 liver disease have no symptoms until late stages of the disease. When the liver damage reaches the most severe form, liver cirrhosis can occur. Cirrhosis is when the hepatocytes are replaced with scar tissue. People with cirrhosis often experience: loss of appetite weakness, fatigue nausea abdominal pain weight loss skin discoloration (jaundice or yellowing of the skin) and fluid accumulation under the skin (edema) or within the abdomen (ascites) Bruising easily and abnormal bleeding, like nose or gastrointestinal bleeding. Other symptoms of severe liver disease can include sensitivity to certain medications cleared from the system via the liver, changes in personality and sleep habits, increased risk for infections and liver cancer. Alpha-1 Liver Disease: Diagnosis Clinical Trials For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials.
Reviewed by Karin A. Pacheco, MD, MSPH, Robert A. Sandhaus, MD, PhD, FCCP (November 01, 2017) Many people with Alpha-1 liver disease have no symptoms until late stages of the disease. When the liver damage reaches the most severe form, liver cirrhosis can occur. Cirrhosis is when the hepatocytes are replaced with scar tissue. People with cirrhosis often experience: loss of appetite weakness, fatigue nausea abdominal pain weight loss skin discoloration (jaundice or yellowing of the skin) and fluid accumulation under the skin (edema) or within the abdomen (ascites) Bruising easily and abnormal bleeding, like nose or gastrointestinal bleeding. Other symptoms of severe liver disease can include sensitivity to certain medications cleared from the system via the liver, changes in personality and sleep habits, increased risk for infections and liver cancer. Alpha-1 Liver Disease: Diagnosis