Cirrhosis

What is Cirrhosis of the Liver?

Cirrhosis is a condition that results from permanent damage or scarring of the liver. This leads to a blockage of blood flow through the liver and prevents normal metabolic and regulatory processes. Individuals with cirrhosis may bleed and bruise easily due to a decrease in proteins required for blood clotting. Some people may even experience intense itching due to products that are deposited in the skin.

Causes

chronic alcoholism viral infections caused by chronic viral hepatitis (types B, C and D) metabolic diseases and glycogen storage disorders inherited diseases toxic hepatitis caused by severe reactions to prescribed drugs or prolonged exposure to environmental toxins repeated bouts of heart failure with liver congestion Biliary atresia in babies caused by absent or injured bile ducts

Early Symptoms

Loss of appetite Nausea Weight loss Fatigue Weakness Exhaustion

Treatments

If cirrhosis is due to alcoholism, the patient must stop drinking to prevent further progression of the disease. If cirrhosis is cause by viral hepatitis, antiviral drugs may be administered to reduce liver cell injury. Medications such as beta blockers may be administered to reduce portal hypertension, which causes bleeding.