What is liver cirrhosis and what causes it?
Normal Liver |
Cirrhosis implies irreversible scarring of
the liver which can be a potentially life-threatening. In
an advanced stage, 80-90% liver may be damaged and replaced
with scar (dead) tissue. Cirrhosis is caused by sustained
liver damage over several years either by alcohol, viral infection
(Hepatitis B, C), a toxic substance (for eg. drugs, excess
copper or iron in the liver), or by blockage of biliary system
such that the liver undergoes progressive scarring that slowly
replaces all of normal liver cells.
In most instances, the above causes initially
result in Hepatitis which can usually be treated. However,
if the offending factor is not removed or treated on time,
cirrhosis develops and then it is usually too late to change
the course of the disease.
Symptoms
of liver cirrhosis
Liver with Cirrhosis |
In addition, the patient may have bleeding tendency due to low levels of a liver protein prothrombin, and low platelet count both of which are vital for normal clotting of blood.
Living with cirrhosis (do's and don'ts)
Although cirrhosis implies irreversible damage to the liver, a person with early cirrhosis (stage Child's A or early Child's B) can have several years of fairly active life provided appropriate treatment is given by liver specialists. Advanced or Child's C Cirrhosis on the other hand, clearly dictates the need for a liver transplant for which expert opinion should be sought.Some do's
Some don'ts