Cirrhosis is the term used for the replacement of the healthy liver tissue with scar tissue. Cirrhosis normally occurs in response to the damage of the liver and each time the liver becomes injured, it repairs itself and the process results in the formation of scar tissue. The scarring results in the blockage of blood flow through the liver and preventing the normal metabolic activities. The liver cirrhosis is commonly caused by the excess alcohol consumption, the viral hepatitis B and C, various other forms of liver diseases and conditions. The liver damage caused by cirrhosis cannot be reversed but if treatment is initiated early, further damage can be prevented.
Causes
Cirrhosis is caused by the long-term liver disease that damages the healthy liver tissue. Several years of liver damage results to cirrhosis. It can be caused by various conditions such as chronic viral hepatitis, chronic alcoholism, bile duct diseases and fat accumulation in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). Other causes of liver cirrhosis can also include genetic digestive disorder (Alagille syndrome), autoimmune hepatitis, cystic fibrosis, accumulation of iron in the body (hemochromatosis), infections and the use of certain medications. Among individuals who consume alcohol in excess, they usually develop alcohol-related cirrhosis after 10 or more years. The alcoholic liver damage can occur in three separate stages; the first stage known as ‘fatty liver’ that disappears when people drink less, the second stage is alcoholic hepatitis when the liver becomes inflamed which can result in liver failure and the third stage is cirrhosis.
Symptoms
Most of the individuals often identify this condition during tests for other illness. Some of the early symptoms of cirrhosis can include disturbed sleep pattern, loss of appetite, fatigue, loss of weight, feeling sick, muscle wasting and pain in the liver area. During the later stage, the symptoms can include intensely itchy skin, jaundice, hair loss, vomiting blood, dark urine, swelling of the legs, ankles and feet, muscle cramps, irregular menstrual periods among women, impotence, fatigue, shortness of breath, trembling hands and rapid heartbeat. Medical intervention is particularly important if the individual is diagnosed with cirrhosis and presents high temperature with shivers, shortness of breath, vomiting blood, dark or black stools and periods of mental confusion.
Diagnosis
The early stage of cirrhosis is usually identified with the routine blood test or checkup. In such cases, additional tests may be necessary to diagnose the condition. This includes liver function tests that determine the level of bilirubin along with certain enzymes, tests for hepatitis B and C and a kidney function test. Additional tests may include MRI, CT scans or a biopsy to determine the extent of liver damage.
Treatment
The treatment is usually based on the cause of the problem and the stage of cirrhosis. The treatment also focuses on preventing the progression of the disease and the complications that can develop. The underlying causes of cirrhosis can be treated such as hepatitis B and C with antiviral medications and autoimmune hepatitis with steroid-based medications. Lifestyle changes are also an important aspect of the treatment that involves reducing the alcohol consumption and eating a balanced diet. When cirrhosis cannot be treated, a liver transplant may be optional.
References
http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/cirrhosis/
https://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/liver-information/liver-conditions/cirrhosis/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20187388
