Cirrhosis of the Liver Condition and Symptoms

Cirrhosis of the liver is a disease which progresses slowly and in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This will eventually stop the liver from functioning properly by blocking blood flow through the liver. The scar tissue will also slow processing of drugs, nutrients, hormones, naturally produced toxins and proteins made by the liver.

Causes

• Cirrhosis of the liver can be caused by hepatitis B or C, alcohol abuse, iron and copper metabolic disorders and chronic liver disease.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver can develop gradually or be nonexistent. When symptoms are evident they include bleeding hemorrhoids, impotence, vomiting blood, weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea, confusion and leg swelling.

Treatment

• Treatment includes antibiotics, diuretics, restricting fluids and salt, and stopping medicines, alcohol and whatever else may contribute to cirrhosis. A liver transplant is considered when cirrhosis is life-threatening.

Complications

• Complications can include bleeding disorders, kidney failure, liver cancer, mental confusion, coma, a build-up and infection of abdominal fluid, and too much pressure in the liver's blood vessels.

Prevention

• Prevention of cirrhosis of the liver includes limiting alcohol consumption, getting a hepatitis B vaccine, avoiding intravenous drug use and using caution around synthetic chemicals.