LIVER CIRRHOSIS Causes | Symptoms | Treatments
About Liver ďƒ˜
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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)
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 )
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.
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.
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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