What Is Cirrhosis of the Liver?

Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition in which the liver starts to deteriorate, and scar tissue replaces healthy tissue. Scarring of liver tissue leads to the liver's inability to function. Scar tissue is caused by injury from chronic disease. With mild cirrhosis, the liver may be able to heal itself, but severe cirrhosis can be life-threatening.

Symptoms

• Early stages of cirrhosis may have no symptoms, but as the disease progresses symptoms become more noticeable. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, itching, fatigue, appetite loss and weakness. Other symptoms may include bloating, abdominal pain and bruising easily.

Causes

• Cirrhosis of the liver has many causes, but the most common is hepatitis C and alcohol abuse. Women who drink three to four drinks a day and men who drink four to five drinks a day over a period of years are at greatest risk for cirrhosis. The hepatitis C virus infects and damages the liver over time leading to liver dysfunction. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a fatty buildup in the liver that causes cirrhosis and is associated with obesity, diabetes and coronary artery disease.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor will perform blood tests to measure blood count and see what is causing the cirrhosis. A CAT scan or MRI will show the extent of damage to the liver. A liver biopsy involves taking a sample of liver tissue to examine for signs of cirrhosis.

Treatment

• When cirrhosis of the liver is discovered early, treatments are geared toward reducing and preventing any more damage. Alcohol abuse will need to be stopped if that is the cause of the cirrhosis. Your doctor can help you find an AA group to join to aid you in alcohol addiction. Medications for hepatitis can limit damage to liver cells. The medications prescribed will depend upon the type of hepatitis you have.

Other Treatments

• Other treatments are for complications cirrhosis causes. Cirrhosis can cause fluid retention in your legs and abdomen. Eating a low-sodium diet and taking water pills can help your body rid itself of excess fluid. Blood pressure medications can control pressure in veins in your upper stomach to prevent bleeding.

Surgery

• People with advanced cirrhosis of the liver may need a liver transplant to survive. You may be put on a waiting list for months or years before a liver from a deceased donor becomes available. You must have extensive follow ups with your doctor and surgeon after the surgery.