|  | Conditions Treatments | Illness

The History of Liver Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition that prevents the liver from functioning as it should. The liver is one of the largest and most important organs in your body. It eliminates toxins like alcohol and bacteria. It makes bile so you can digest food, and sugar and vitamins are stored there for later use. Cirrhosis of the liver can have a devastating effect.

  1. Liver Cirrhosis

    • Fibrosis is the beginning of liver cirrhosis. When your liver is damaged, its cells die and scar tissue forms. The scarring process is called fibrosis. If the liver sustains repeated damage, the scars eventually cover the entire liver. According to the American Liver Foundation, when the liver is completely scarred, it shrinks and gets hard--this condition is called cirrhosis.

    Causes

    • Cirrhosis is caused by repeated damage to the liver. It normally takes years of serious damage for cirrhosis to develop. For most people, the damage is often caused by more than one factor. According to LiverFacts.com, heavy alcohol consumption and hepatitis C are common causes. Obesity is also common among those affected, and cirrhosis can also be caused by diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

    Symptoms

    • There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of the condition. According to Prescription for Herbal Healing, liver cirrhosis is often discovered during a routine exam or a blood test for an unrelated reason. Common symptoms are weight loss, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, frequent constipation or diarrhea and weakness. Although less common, abdominal swelling can also occur.

    Diagnosis

    • Liver cirrhosis is usually diagnosed after a series of blood tests and physical exams. If the liver feels hard or enlarged during the exam, blood tests will be needed. Your doctor might also perform imaging procedures to get a look at your liver. A CT scan, ultrasound, or liver scan can give the doctor a visual. A liver tissue sample can also be removed during a biopsy and examined under a microscope.

    Treatment

    • According to LiverFacts.com, treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition and if there are complications. The goal of treatment is to stop the progress of the condition or reverse the damage. If complications are present, they must be dealt with as well. A transplant might be needed if the liver is too badly damaged to function.

Illness - Related Articles