MAIN Health Diseases & Conditions Cirrhosis of the Liver

Cirrhosis is the term used whenever healthy functioning liver cells are destroyed and distortion and scarring of the liver takes place due to disease.

Until quite recently, alcoholism was sited as the primary cause of cirrhosis, but due to the rapid rise of the hepatitis C virus, it has now taken first place as a major risk factor.

Other less common causes of cirrhosis include coronary heart disease, autoimmune diseases such as hemochromatosis (excess iron accumulation in the blood) or hereditary conditions such as Wilson's disease.

Additional risk factors are ingestions of poisons or environmental exposure to certain chemicals.

Cirrhosis symptoms

In its early stages, cirrhosis may show no symptoms, but as the disease progresses patients will commonly report fatigue, nausea, unexplained weight loss or swelling in the legs and abdomen. As the liver begins to fail, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) may develop along with intense itching caused by a build-up of bile in the skin.

Although liver scarring from cirrhosis is irreversible, the disease usually develops over time and with the proper treatment symptoms can be brought under control.

Cirrhosis treatment

An important part of treatment always calls for a complete abstinence from alcohol. Patients are also advised to get vaccinated against preventable hepatitis strains (hepatitis A & B), and to avoid common painkillers and other medications that may damage the liver further.

Dietary guidelines are as equally important in managing cirrhosis. Usually, patients are warned about the severe infections which can arise from eating raw shellfish that may carry the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. Reduction in salt intake is also highly recommended to avoid recurrences of swelling in the legs and ankles.

A low fat diet, rich in fresh fruit & vegetables, is also usually advised for overall optimum health, and herb milk thistle may be prescribed for its natural liver healing properties. Used in Europe for centuries, today scientific studies have proven the effectiveness of milk thistle in liver disease, but consult with your doctor to ensure it won't interact with other prescribed medications.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish such as salmon, and in flaxseed oil and walnuts, have also been suggested for their liver protecting properties.

also see -> Symptoms of Alcoholism

More information about cirrhosis around the Web:

What I Need to Know about Cirrhosis of the Liver - Illustrated fact sheet covering causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, with advice on self-care, related links.

Understanding Cirrhosis of the Liver - Excellent introduction to the topic with details on alcohol and non-alcohol related cirrhosis, plus information on signs and symptoms, treatment options, prognosis and self-care.

Liver Panel - A guide to typical diagnostic tools used to detect liver disease or damage, with detailed information on the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, albumin and total protein tests.

Hepatitis C - A major cause of non-alcohol related cirrhosis, with facts & information on causes, risk factors, related complications, when to seek a doctor's advice plus more on treatment & follow-up care.

What is Primary Biliary Cirrhosis? - Guide to the condition effecting the liver bile ducts, including information on causes, symptoms, prognosis and treatment.

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.