The progressive scarring of the tissue in the liver that leads to scars on the normal tissues called cirrhosis of the liver.

1. Cirrhosis of the Liver

2. Cirrhosis of the Liver
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. 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 metabolise various toxins and
medications in the body system. 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.

3. What do we understand with 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.

4. What are the 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
 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

5. Symptoms
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
As the disease progresses, the liver cirrhosis
symptoms become more and more serious. Some of
these signs and symptoms include edema,
jaundice, itchy skin, gallstones, coagulation defects,
spider naevi, gynaecomastia and mental disorders.

6. Stages of liver cirrhosis
There are four liver cirrhosis stages that are seen in
patients. The first two liver cirrhosis stages are
placed into the compensated stage. There is gradual
deterioration of the liver functions. The body starts
compensating for its lack of functioning liver. This
stage is almost impossible to detect and only a liver
biopsy can help confirm damage to liver cells. Next is
the decompensated stage that includes both the 3rd
and 4th liver cirrhosis stages. The liver is extensively
damaged and this leads to life-threatening
complications. The patient suffers from serious
symptoms that may lead to coma.

7. Treatments
Treatment is based on the type and cause of
cirrhosis. Once the liver is extensively damaged, it
cannot be reserved. However, proper liver cirrhosis
treatment can help in putting a stop to further
damage. Edema and ascites can be treated with
diuretics that help in treatment of water retention.
The deficiencies in the body can be overcome with
the help of mineral and vitamin supplements. The
patient maybe advised sugar based drinks to
maintain the nutrition as well as energy levels. In
case of constipation and reduction of toxic
substances from the body, laxatives maybe advised.
This will help prevent the toxins to reach the brain
and cause confusion and coma.

8. Prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis
The prognosis depends on the stage and cause of the
condition. Usually, cirrhosis life expectancy is less than
half of the expected normal life. Once affected by cirrhosis,
the liver cannot become normal again. The best way to
increase life expectancy is to curb the disease in its initial
stages. Continued use of alcohol will lead to irreversible
damage. In order to make the prognosis in an individual
case look brighter, it is better to maintain an alcohol free
healthy lifestyle.
If one is a chronic alcoholic or has suffered from chronic
hepatitis, make sure you get your liver checked regularly
for cirrhosis. The condition caught early on has better
prognosis than the end stages. If you have any doubts,
speak to your hepatologist regarding liver cirrhosis.

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