Liver Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver tissue associated with the destruction of the normal architecture and functionality of the organ. Liver cirrhosis results from a sustained damage to this vital organ and can be caused by many factors, alcohol abuse being the primary cause.

In liver cirrhosis, the destruction of the normal liver tissue prevents this organ from metabolizing enzymes and drugs producing certain vital proteins. This leads to major problems, including blood’s inability to clot.

Pathophysiology Of Liver Cirrhosis

There are many causes for cirrhosis. The most extended is sustained alcohol abuse; the chronic ingestion of alcohol produces irreversible damage to the liver cells. The development of alcoholic cirrhosis depends on the amount and frequency of alcohol consumed.

Liver Cirrhosis can also be caused by non-alcoholic factors and conditions, like hepatitis and certain complications of diabetes. There is also a form of liver cirrhosis known as “cryptogenic cirrhosis”. The term “cryptogenic cirrhosis” refers to the development of liver cirrhosis due to unidentified causes. It is a very common reason for liver transplantation.

Some experts are now considering the possibility of cryptogenic cirrhosis being a consequence of insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes and morbid obesity, which together cause NASH (non-alcoholic Steato-Hepatitis); but so far the studies show no definitive conclusions.

Other causes of cirrhosis include genetic disorders, viral liver diseases, the action of foreign factors (like copper-poisoning), and prolonged exposure to certain drugs or toxins.

Symptoms Of Liver Cirrhosis

Usually, people suffering from liver cirrhosis don’t experience symptoms during the early stages of the disease. As damage to the liver tissue progresses, however, the normal liver function decreases and some symptoms of liver cirrhosis start to show. They may include intense fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness, nausea, weight loss and abdominal pain.

Final stage of cirrhosis is characterized by the presence of spider-shaped angiomas in the skin, severe abdominal pain, vomits and many other complications, including the final and total failure of the liver.

Treatment For Liver Cirrhosis

Although there is no possible way to reverse the damage caused to the liver tissues by this disease, there are treatments for liver cirrhosis that can stop or delay its progression and reduce the potential complications.

As with almost any disease, deciding on an adequate treatment will heavily depend on the causes of liver cirrhosis. For instance, alcoholic liver cirrhosis is treated by eliminating the consumption of alcohol and, if necessary, dealing with the abstinence syndrome that develops in long-term alcohol abusers.

Other cases of cirrhosis are treated by different kinds of medications to treat the underlying cause. Thus, there are some drugs recommended for autoimmune hepatitis, some drugs recommended for copper poisoning (Wilson’s disease) and some others for viral hepatitis.

Prevention Of Liver Cirrhosis

It has been demonstrated that a healthy body has less risk of developing liver cirrhosis than unhealthy ones. For this reason, it is recommended to follow a healthy diet and to practice regular physical activities.

Of course, avoiding alcohol is by far the number one prevention action against cirrhosis of the liver. Other actions include regular general health checks, that may early detect the development of a liver disease and therefore treatment could be addressed promptly.

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