Abnormal Blood Clotting (Coagulopathy)
The liver makes a number of coagulation (clotting) factors including prothrombin and fibrinogen. Most of these require the presence of vitamin K to function normally. Vitamin K, which is a fat soluble vitamin, in turn requires bile salts to be absorbed properly by the body. If the liver does not produce enough bile this will have a knock on effect on the capacity to clot blood. This can lead to so called thin blood and increases the risk of bleeding. Warning signs of mild coagulopathy problems include frequent nose bleeds, prolonged bleeding of the gums, and bruising easily. You should see a doctor immediately if any of these warning signs are present.
Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition in which the body has too few red blood cells. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin - an iron laden protein- that carries oxygen around your body. Cirrhosis can cause the spleen to remove too many red blood cells from circulation or decrease the amount produced so there is less haemoglobin circulating in your body. If you do not have enough oxygen, your organs and tissues cannot function properly. As a result, you may feel tired, weak, or dizzy. You may also have shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty sleeping.
Severe Jaundice
One of the livers functions is to produce bile and pass it via the gallbladder to the intestines, where it is used to help digest foods. When the liver is seriously damaged, it stops being able to do this properly so bile pigment called bilirubin builds up in the body. This causes your skin and the whites of your eyes to turn yellow (jaundice). It also causes your urine to go brown and your stools to go white and can cause intense itching of your skin.
