Cirrhosis of the liver is a serious condition that may develop in the later stages of various liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease and hepatitis.
What is Cirrhosis of the Liver?
The healthy liver is involved in many processes that are vital for life, including the production of proteins and vitamins, removal of toxins from the bloodstream, storage of energy and digestion. In cirrhosis, healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, which disrupts the normal functions of the liver and obstructs the flow of blood through the organ, leading to cirrhosis symptoms.
Causes of Liver Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis is a consequence of long-term or repeated damage to the liver. The liver forms scar tissue in an attempt to heal itself, but increasing damage leads to increasing amounts of scar tissue and eventually the liver is no longer able to work properly. This process generally takes several years.
The causes of liver cirrhosis include:
- alcoholic liver disease
- chronic viral hepatitis B or C
- autoimmune hepatitis
- non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- certain rare metabolic and genetic disorders.
In developed countries, alcoholic liver disease and hepatitis C are the most common causes.
Liver Cirrhosis Treatment
Severe liver cirrhosis can be life-threatening, but the disease can be controlled if treatment is started early. Cirrhosis symptoms and complications include:
- fatigue
- nausea
- easy bruising and bleeding
- jaundice
- gynaecomastia (breast enlargement in men)
- clubbing of the nails
- spider naevi (swollen blood vessels in the skin)
- fluid in the legs (oedema) or abdomen (ascites)
- enlarged veins in the throat and stomach (varices)
- confusion due to a build-up of toxins in the brain
- occasionally, liver cancer.
The liver damage that causes cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but may be slowed or halted depending on the cause. After liver function tests and other investigations to determine the severity of the problem, patients with liver cirrhosis may be advised to stop drinking alcohol, for example, or prescribed medications to treat hepatitis. In advanced cases, a liver transplant may be considered.
Cirrhosis treatment may also involve management of complications, such as taking diuretics to reduce ascites.
Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis of the liver occurs in the later stages of various chronic liver diseases. Following liver function tests to determine the extent of the problem, cirrhosis treatment can prevent further liver damage if started early.
References:
Mayo Clinic. Cirrhosis. Accessed 15-02-10
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. What I Need to Know About Cirrhosis of the Liver. Accessed 15-02-10
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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