What is Cirrhosis of the Liver?

Description of the Disease

Cirrhosis of the liver is a serious chronic condition in which healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue. This leads to impaired liver function and can cause various complications.

Classification

• Alcoholic cirrhosis
• Fatty liver cirrhosis
• Viral cirrhosis (hepatitis B, hepatitis C)
• Acquired cirrhosis (due to other liver diseases)

Symptoms

Symptoms of cirrhosis may include weight loss, fatigue, swelling of the legs, abdomen or body, jaundice, decreased appetite, itching, minor bleeding from the nose or gums, enlargement of the abdomen.

Causes

The main causes of cirrhosis of the liver are excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, fatty liver, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, chronic liver diseases.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cirrhosis includes blood tests, ultrasound examination of the liver, liver biopsy, MRI or CT scans of the liver.

Treatment

Treatment of cirrhosis aims to address the underlying cause of the disease, reduce inflammation and scarring of the liver, and treat complications. This may include lifestyle changes, medication, liver transplantation.

Prevention

Prevention of cirrhosis involves avoiding overeating, alcohol abuse, vaccination against viral hepatitis, and prevention of common liver diseases.

Physician

Cirrhosis of the liver is treated by a gastroenterologist or hepatologist.