Cirrhosis of the Liver: A critical health condition.

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liver cirrhosis

• Causes Symptoms Treatments

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About Liver

• Just above the right upper abdomen, under the
  right lung is the largest internal organ of the
  body located. This organ is none other than the
  multi-functional liver.
• The liver is one organ that can perform multiple
  tasks in one time.
• The liver can produce cholesterol, make
  proteins, store and release glucose in form of
  energy, eliminate waste from the body and
  metabolize various toxins and medications in the
  body system.

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About Liver Continue

• If that's not enough, liver function also
  includes production of bile through ducts and
  releasing it into the intestine, helping in
  digestion of food.
• And what makes this organ totally unique is its
  ability to regenerate itself when it is damaged
  or partially removed.
• However, with years of abuse especially in cases
  of alcoholics, the liver finally gives up. It can
  develop a condition called cirrhosis and cease
  some of its normal functions leading to havoc
  within the body.

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What is Liver Cirrhosis ?

• The progressive scarring of the tissue in the
  liver that leads to scars on the normal tissues
  is called cirrhosis of the liver.
• This permanent damage or scarring of the liver
  leads to blockage of blood flow within the liver.
  
• The liver becomes distorted in shape, hardens and
  forms lumps. The blockage prevent the normal
  functioning of the liver like metabolism and
  regulation process leading to different health
  problems.

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Causes of Liver Cirrhosis

• There are several liver cirrhosis causes that
  include either of the following
• Chronic alcoholism
• Chronic viral infection by Hepatitis B, Hepatitis
  C and D
• Wilson's disease (abnormal storage of copper)
• Hemochromatosis (abnormal storage of iron)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Autoimmune hepatitis

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Causes Continue

• Blocked bile ducts
• Toxic hepatitis caused by reaction to medications
  and toxins
• Alpha - 1 - antitrypsin deficiency
• Galactosemia and glycogen storage disorders
• Chronic heart failure with liver congestion
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Cryptogenic cirrhosis

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Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis

• The early stages of liver cirrhosis exhibit very
  few symptoms. However, some of the symptoms of
  the condition include
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Loss of weight
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Lethargy

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Stages of Liver Cirrhosis

• 1) Healthy liver
• 2) Fatty liver (Deposit of fat lead to liver
  enlargement)
• 3) Liver fibrosis (Scar tissues form)
• 4) Cirrhosis (Growth of connective tissue
  destroys liver cells)

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Treatments of Liver Cirrhosis

• 1) PREVENTING FURTHER DAMAGE TO LIVER
• Consume balance diet
• Multivitamin
• Patient with PBC need additional Vit.D and Vit.K
• Avoid alcohol containing drugs
• Avoid NSAIDS like Ibuprofen.
• In case of Hepatitis B or C induced Cirrhosis
  antiviral medication are given.
• In autoimmune Hepatitis, Prednisone is given.
• For the treatment of Portal Hypertension
• E.g. UDCA ( Ursodeoxycholic Acid)
• Beta2 Blockers (Propranolol with Isosorbide )

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Treatments continue

• 2) TREATING THE COMPLICATIONS OF LEVER CIRRHOSIS
• Edema and Ascites For the treatment of Edema
  and Ascites DIURETIC drugs are used.
• E.g.- Spirinolactone Furosemide.
• 3) PREVETION OF LEVER CANCER
• Ultrasound examination of Lever is suggested
  after every 6 months.
• Measurement of cancer produced protein
• E.g.- Alpha fetoprotein in blood.
• 4) LEVER TRANSPLANT.

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Diagnosis of Liver Cirrhosis

• Tests to measure liver function
• Complete blood count
• Prothrombin time
• Liver function tests
• Blood albumin level
• Other tests to check for liver damage include
• Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen
• Endoscopy to check for abnormal veins in the
  esophagus or stomach
• Ultrasound of the abdomen
• You will need a liver biopsy to confirm the
  diagnosis.

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Preventions of Liver Cirrhosis

• There are several ways to reduce your risk of
  developing cirrhosis of the liver
• Don't abuse alcohol.
• Be careful around synthetic chemicals, such as
  cleaning products and pesticides. If you come
  into contact with chemicals often, wear
  protective clothing and a facemask.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
• Eat a well-balanced, low-fat diet and take
  vitamins.

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