Cirrhosis of the liver

Cirrhosis

Description cirrhosis

Cirrhosis of the liver – disease, in which the liver is damaged and changed its normal structure. Healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. The liver is unable to perform its normal functions, such, as the detoxification of harmful substances, cleaning the blood and the development of vital nutrients. Besides, scars slow down the normal flow of blood through the liver, whereby the blood flows through the alternative path. This may cause bleeding, known as gastric or esophageal varices.

Causes of liver cirrhosis

Causes of cirrhosis include:

• Excessive alcohol consumption;
• Hepatitis C, And D;
• Autoimmune hepatitis;
• Hereditary diseases:
  • Glicogenosis;
  • Galactosemia;
  • Fructosemia;
  • Tirozinemija;
  • Gemoxromatoz;
  • Wilson's disease;
  • Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency;
  • Mukovystsydoz;
• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), connected with:
  • Diabetes;
  • Obese;
  • Heart disease;
  • High triglyceride levels in the blood;
  • Steroid Use;
• Locks bile duct, Related:
  • Cirrhosis;
  • Congenital;
  • Scarring of the ducts, sometimes associated with inflammatory bowel disease;
  • Gall bladder surgery;
  • Pancreatitis;
• Drugs and toxins:
  • Arsenic;
  • Isoniazid;
  • Methotrexate;
  • An excess of vitamin A;
• Infection:
  • Schistosomiasis;
  • Brucellosis;
  • Echinococcosis;
  • Advanced or congenital syphilis;
• Heart failure.

Risk factors for liver cirrhosis

Factors, which increase the risk of liver cirrhosis:

• Alcohol abuse;
• Hepatitis;
• Use of drugs, hepatotoxity;
• Overweight or rapid weight gain;
• The absence of diabetes;
• Eating large doses of iron.

Symptoms of liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is frequently causes symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Symptoms begin, when the liver begins to fail, as scar tissue replaces healthy cells. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of liver damage.

Early symptoms of cirrhosis include:

• Fatigue;
• Poor appetite;
• Abdominal distention, soreness and pain;
• Nausea;
• Weight loss;
• Weakness;
• Breast enlargement in men.

Late symptoms, some of which arise due to complications, They include:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice);
• Redness of the hands;
• Loss of body hair;
• Shrunken testicles;
• Enlarged liver;
• Splenomegaly;
• Thin, purple Krasnye, blood vessels in the skin, especially around the navel;
• Dark urine;
• Accumulation of water and swelling in the legs and abdomen;
• Bleeding and bruising;
• Vomiting blood;
• Itch;
• Menstrual problems;
• Abdominal infections;
• Impotence;
• Forgetfulness;
• Confusion;
• Convulsions;
• Tremor;
• Coma;
• Increased, deformed, thin-walled blood vessels (varicosity), are easily, and sometimes bleed much (usually, It is located in the esophagus);
• Liver cancer;
• Osteoporosis;
• Gallstones;
• Arrhythmia;
• Sleep disorders;
• Ulcers;
• Breathing problems;
• Insulin resistance.

Diagnosis of liver cirrhosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests – to evaluate, how well the liver and determine the cause of cirrhosis;
• Computed tomography of the abdomen, Ultrasound scan or liver / spleen – to find changes in the liver;
• Biopsy roasted – a sample of liver tissue removed via a thin needle, inserted through the abdomen into the liver;
• Laparoscopy – examination of the liver through a thin tube with a light source at the end, which is inserted through a small incision near the navel.

Other tests may include:

• Installation of the catheter into the vein of the liver and measurement of pressure in this vein, rarely used;
• Removing fluid from the peritoneal cavity and its study;
• Other Tests, to determine, causing cirrhosis and what complications may occur.

Treatment of liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis can not be completely cured. The goal of treatment – prevent deterioration, including:

• Management cause of cirrhosis;
• Treatment of major diseases;
• Prevent additional damage;
• Treat symptoms and complications;
• Screening for liver cancer.

Medication

Doctors prescribe drugs to:

• Treatment of hepatitis and their complications caused by;
• Decreased absorption of waste and toxins in the digestive system;
• Reduce the risk of damage to blood vessels;
• Fight infections;
• Excretion of excess fluid.

Surgery

Roasted transplant – It may be carried out, if:

• Complications can not be controlled via drug therapy;
• The liver stops functioning.

Endoscopy – used, to stop the bleeding from blood vessels (phlebeurysm) or enter preparations, which cause blood clotting. Thin tool, with a light source at the end is inserted into the throat, to help the doctor see and access the varicose veins, which are located in the esophagus.

Self-help

• It is necessary to completely stop drinking alcohol;
• Do not take any medication without the doctor's approval;
• Eat a balanced diet. Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as proteins, such as beans and poultry;
• If liver disease is accompanied by complications, you may need to limit your intake of protein, Since the liver can not process weakened it properly;
• Maybe, you have to limit your intake of salt in your diet, because it increases water retention;
• We need to take vitamin supplements, which is recommended by doctors;
• Lift the legs and feet to decrease swelling;
• Due to the increased risk of infection, recommended:
  • To carry out vaccination against influenza, pneumonia and hepatitis;
  • Avoid consumption of raw seafood;
  • Avoid people, who are sick of infectious diseases, such as the flu or a cold;
  • Wash your hands often.

If you are diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, Follow your doctor's instructions.

Prevention of liver cirrhosis

To reduce the risk of cirrhosis:

• Drink alcohol in moderation – no more than two portions (40 gram) of alcohol per day for men and one serving a day for women;
• Follow the hepatitis B vaccine;
• We need to practice safe sex, to reduce the risk of hepatitis B;
• If you use intravenous drugs should be used disposable needles;
• Maintain a healthy weight;
• Follow your doctor's recommendations for blood tests when taking medications, which can lead to liver damage.