Cirrhosis

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Liver Cirrhosis)

Cirrhosis
SpecialtyHepatology, Gastroenterology
SymptomsFatigue, weakness, jaundice, itching, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, confusion, bleeding
ComplicationsPortal hypertension, liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma
Usual onsetGradual
DurationChronic
CausesAlcohol abuse, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, Wilson's disease
Diagnostic methodLiver biopsy, blood tests, imaging studies
PreventionVaccination, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, managing underlying conditions
TreatmentTreating underlying causes, medications, liver transplant


Cirrhosis of the liver

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) and the loss of liver function. Cirrhosis can lead to severe complications, including portal hypertension, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).

Cirrosis
Cirrhosis patient

Causes[edit | edit source]

Cirrhosis can result from various factors, including:

Alcoholic liver cirrhosis

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Cirrhosis high mag.jpg
Hepatitis C.jpg

Cirrhosis may initially present without symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Itching (pruritus)
  • Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
  • Swelling in the legs (edema)
  • Confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech (hepatic encephalopathy)
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Cirrhosis can be diagnosed using a combination of methods, such as:

  • Blood tests to assess liver function and rule out other causes
  • Imaging studies, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
  • Liver biopsy, where a small sample of liver tissue is removed and examined under a microscope

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Preventive measures for cirrhosis include:

  • Vaccination against hepatitis B
  • Practicing safe sex and avoiding exposure to infected blood to prevent hepatitis B and C
  • Reducing alcohol consumption or abstaining from alcohol
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and managing conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol
  • Early detection and treatment of autoimmune liver diseases

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for cirrhosis focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing complications. This may include:

  • Stopping alcohol consumption
  • Antiviral medications for hepatitis B or C
  • Weight loss and lifestyle modifications for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Medications to manage autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, or primary sclerosing cholangitis
  • Liver transplant in severe cases

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Cirrhosis Resources


Health science - Medicine - Gastroenterology - edit
Diseases of the esophagus - stomach
Halitosis | Nausea | Vomiting | GERD | Achalasia | Esophageal cancer | Esophageal varices | Peptic ulcer | Abdominal pain | Stomach cancer | Functional dyspepsia | Gastroparesis
Diseases of the liver - pancreas - gallbladder - biliary tree
Hepatitis | Cirrhosis | NASH | PBC | PSC | Budd-Chiari | Hepatocellular carcinoma | Acute pancreatitis | Chronic pancreatitis | Pancreatic cancer | Gallstones | Cholecystitis
Diseases of the small intestine
Peptic ulcer | Intussusception | Malabsorption (e.g. Coeliac, lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorptionWhipple's) | Lymphoma
Diseases of the colon
Diarrhea | Appendicitis | Diverticulitis | Diverticulosis | IBD (Crohn'sUlcerative colitis) | IBS | Constipation | Colorectal cancer | Hirschsprung's | Pseudomembranous colitis


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD