Cirrhosis of the Liver: Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The liver is an extremely important bodily organ. The liver functions to remove and neutralize toxins from the blood, produce immune agents, and remove bacteria and other harmful substances from the blood stream. The liver also produces bile which works to absorb fats as well as producing proteins which regulate blood clotting.

Cirrhosis of the liver occurs when scar tissue builds up in the place of normal liver tissue. The scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and the liver can not maintain its proper function.

CAUSES OF CIRRHOSIS

Cirrhosis leads to 26,000 deaths in the United States yearly. Cirrhosis is the twelfth leading cause of death by disease. Cirrhosis can be caused by many factors including alcohol liver disease, hepatitis B, C, and D, blocked bile ducts, and drugs and other toxins.

Alcohol liver disease is among the most well known causes of Cirrhosis. Cirrhosis due to alcohol abuse usually takes a decade to develop. The amount of alcohol necessary to develop Cirrhosis varies fro each individual.

SYMPTOMS

The early stages of Cirrhosis are often asymptomatic in sufferers. As Cirrhosis progresses, many symptoms may be experienced. Among them are nausea and loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness, weight loss, and spider like blood vessels.

COMPLICATIONS

Although the early stages of Cirrhosis can seem mild, complications to Cirrhosis are much more pronounced. Among the most common complications related to Cirrhosis are listed below.

Jaundice a yellowing of the skin and eyes that occurs when the diseased liver does not absorb enough bilirubin.

Gallstones occur if bile secretions are prevented from reaching the gallbladder.

Medication sensitivities Cirrhosis affects the liver's ability to filter drugs and medications from the body. The result of this decreased filtering ability is the build up of medication leading to longer drug action and medication sensitivity.

Bruising and bleeding Cirrhosis slows the production of proteins needed for blood clotting. Due to this protein decrease, sufferers are more prone to bleeding and bruises.

Portal hypertension Cirrhosis slows the normal blood flow through the portal vein. This increases the pressure inside the portal vein.

Problems with other body organs Cirrhosis may lead to immune system dysfunction, impotence, osteoporosis, and kidney failure.

DIAGNOSIS

The health care provider uses a variety of ways to diagnose Cirrhosis. A thorough history and physical examination will be taken. Lab tests and symptoms will also be evaluated to aid in the Cirrhosis diagnosis.

The health care provider may need to order specialized tests to thoroughly examine liver characteristics and function. CAT scans, ultrasounds, and MRI's are useful tools which also aid in Cirrhosis diagnosis.

A laparoscope may also be used by the health care provider as well as a liver biopsy.

TREATMENT

Liver damage due to Cirrhosis can not be reversed. The current treatments are designed to delay onset of further complications or to decrease the severity of current complications.

The treatment that is prescribed for Cirrhosis is highly individualized. The treatment regimen is based on a variety of factors including the initial cause of the Cirrhosis, the severity of the complications, and the genetic profile of the Cirrhosis sufferer.

In some cases, the Cirrhosis can be so damaging that a liver transplant is necessary.