| Cirrhosis |
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| 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. |
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| Causes |
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chronic alcoholism |
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viral infections caused by chronic viral hepatitis (types B, C and D) |
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metabolic diseases and glycogen storage disorders |
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inherited diseases |
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toxic hepatitis caused by severe reactions to prescribed drugs or prolonged exposure to environmental toxins |
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repeated bouts of heart failure with liver congestion |
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Biliary atresia in babies caused by absent or injured bile ducts |
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| Early Symptoms |
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Loss of appetite |
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Nausea |
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Weight loss |
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Fatigue |
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Weakness |
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Exhaustion |
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| Treatments |
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If cirrhosis is due to alcoholism, the patient must stop drinking to prevent further progression of the disease. |
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If cirrhosis is cause by viral hepatitis, antiviral drugs may be administered to reduce liver cell injury. |
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Medications such as beta blockers may be administered to reduce portal hypertension, which causes bleeding. |
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