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What is Liver Cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis is a common disease characterized by the loss of normal liver architecture due to diffuse hepatic fibrosis with the formation of regenerative nodules. Cirrhosis is a complication of many liver diseases which results in decreased liver function. In this condition, healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue. It can occur at any age and is an important cause of premature death. Cirrhosis is the most common causes of portal hypertension and its associated complications.
Why Does Liver Cirrhosis Occur?
Liver Cirrhosis Causes are-
- Long-term alcohol abuse
- Chronic viral hepatitis- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Immune - Primary sclerosing cholangitis and Autoimmune hepatitis
- Biliary - Primary biliary cirrhosis, Secondary biliary cirrhosis and Cystic fibrosis
- Genetic - Haemochromatosis. Wilson's disease and α1-antitrypsin deficiency
- Cryptogenic
- Chronic venous outflow obstruction
- Cardiac cirrhosis
- Inherited metabolic liver disease
- Budd–Chiari syndrome
- Galactosaemia
- Glycogen storage disease
The most common causes of cirrhosis are chronic viral hepatitis and prolonged excessive alcohol consumption.
What are the Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms?
How can Liver Cirrhosis be Diagnosed?
Medical history, physical examination, or routine testing will help your doctor to diagnose liver cirrhosis. He/she will try to find out liver cirrhosis signs and symptoms. If liver cirrhosis is present, doctor may suggest some tests to determine the severity of the cirrhosis and the presence of complications. Tests also help to diagnose the underlying disease that is causing the cirrhosis. Important Tests are-
- Liver biopsy- confirmatory and the best test for liver cirrhosis
- Blood tests (e. g. as a complete blood count, bilirubin test, liver function tests) to determine the cause of cirrhosis
- Imaging Tests-
- CT scan of the abdomen
- MRI of the abdomen
- Ultrasound of the abdomen
- Endoscopy to check for abnormal veins in the esophagus or stomach
How can Liver Cirrhosis be Treated?
Liver Cirrhosis Treatment includes-
- Preventing further damage to the liver by treating for the underlying cause of cirrhosis and lifestyle changes (see prevention below)
- Treating the complications of cirrhosis
- Preventing liver cancer or detecting it early
- Liver transplantation
What can Happen, if Liver Cirrhosis Left Untreated?
Different complications may occur. Liver Cirrhosis Complicationsare-
- Portal hypertension
- Ascites
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Hepatopulmonary syndrome
- Liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Kidney failure (Hepatorenal syndrome)
- Hematologic abnormalities- Thrombocytopenia, Anemia, Neutropenia and Hemolysis
- Bone disease- Osteopenia, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis
- Bleeding disorders or Coagulopathy- Thrombocytopenia, Factor deficiency and Fibrinolysis
- Malnutrition
- Bacterial peritonitis
- Esophageal varices
- Diabetes Mellitus
What is the way of Liver Cirrhosis Prevention?
- Drink alcohol only in moderation. If you have chronic hepatitis or other liver diseases, avoid alcohol completely.
- Prevent the transmission of hepatitis B or C. Immunization against hepatitis B is required for everyone. So, talk to your health care provider for this.
- Consume a balanced diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid drugs that cause liver damage
- Talk to your health care provider before taking any medicines, vitamins, herbs, or supplements
- Use chemicals carefully
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