Cirrhosis of the liver

Cirrhosis of the Liver is a chronic disease that results in the scarring of the liver tissue, leading to its progressive dysfunction. This condition is typically the end stage of chronic liver disease and is characterized by the replacement of normal liver tissue with non-living scar tissue.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The most common causes of cirrhosis include alcohol abuse, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Less common causes include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and certain genetic diseases such as Wilson's disease and hemochromatosis.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver can vary greatly, from none at all in the early stages to severe complications in the later stages. These may include jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and variceal bleeding.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of cirrhosis can be made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as liver function tests, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and liver biopsy.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

While there is no cure for cirrhosis, treatments aim to slow the progression of the disease, manage symptoms and complications, and prevent further damage to the liver. These may include lifestyle changes, medications, and in severe cases, liver transplantation.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for cirrhosis of the liver depends on the cause, the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and the presence of complications. Early detection and management can significantly improve the prognosis.