Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by progressive scarring and dysfunction of the liver. It can be caused by various etiologic factors:

1. Chronic Alcohol Use: Excessive alcohol consumption over time can damage liver cells, leading to inflammation, fatty liver, fibrosis, and ultimately cirrhosis.
2. Chronic Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis B and C): These infections can cause long-term liver inflammation, increasing the risk of cirrhosis.
3. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Conditions like obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol contribute to fat buildup in the liver, which can progress to cirrhosis.
4. Autoimmune Hepatitis: The immune system attacks liver cells, leading to inflammation and fibrosis.
5. Genetic Disorders: Conditions like hemochromatosis (excess iron) or Wilson’s disease (excess copper) can cause liver damage and cirrhosis.
6. Medications and Toxins: Prolonged use of certain drugs, including some painkillers, and exposure to toxins can damage the liver.
7. Biliary Disease: Conditions like primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis cause bile duct damage, leading to cirrhosis.

Signs to Seek Professional Help:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Severe fatigue or weakness.
• Swelling in the abdomen (ascites) or legs.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Confusion or memory problems (hepatic encephalopathy).
• Dark urine, pale stools.
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.

If these symptoms are present, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

Christopher Hobbs:

“Cirrhosis is a chronic disease of the liver where normal tissues is increasingly replaced by fibrous (scar) tissue. The liver is less able to do its jobs over time, and it can eventually progress to liver failure. Seek the advice of a physician.”