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What is Liver Cirrhosis?<\/h2>\n[vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTVCbHdwdG9jJTVE[\/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
What is Liver Cirrhosis?<\/h2>\nThe liver is the largest solid organ in our body. It performs many important functions, such as:<\/p>\n
Cirrhosis is a slowly progressive disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. The scar tissue slows the liver’s ability to process nutrients, hormones, medications, and natural toxins. It also reduces the production of proteins and other substances made by the liver. Ultimately, cirrhosis destroys the liver and prevents it from functioning properly.<\/p>\n
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The most common causes of cirrhosis are chronic viral infections of the liver (types B and C hepatitis), fatty liver associated with obesity and diabetes, and alcohol abuse. Additionally, anything that damages the liver can cause cirrhosis, including hereditary conditions such as:
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Although less common, other causes of cirrhosis include reactions to prescribed medications, prolonged exposure to environmental toxins, or infections by parasites.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_cta h2=”Book an Appointment” add_button=”right” btn_title=”CONTACT HERE” btn_color=”mulled-wine” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-phone-alt” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_link=”url:tel%3A2102919687|||” css=”.vc_custom_1727691480578{padding-left: 50px !important;}”][\/vc_cta][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Most people who drink large amounts of alcohol damage their liver in some way, but not everyone will develop cirrhosis. Generally, about 30% of people who consume 250 to 500 ml of spirits or other alcoholic drinks daily for 15 years or more will develop cirrhosis. Women who are heavy drinkers are at a higher risk than men. People with hepatitis B or C are more likely to suffer liver damage from alcohol.<\/p>\n
Symptoms of cirrhosis depend on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:<\/p>\n
An early sign of cirrhosis is fluid retention and salt retention. This may start as a swollen ankle or foot but can progress to significant fluid retention in the abdomen (ascites). By reducing salt intake and using the right combination of diuretics, fluid retention can be managed for a period. In more severe cases, the doctor may need to remove the fluid from the abdomen with a procedure.<\/p>\n
Fluid in the abdominal cavity can become infected (a condition called peritonitis), which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics. Some people with severe fluid retention that do not respond to treatment may require a liver transplant.<\/p>\n
Most of these complications can be managed with medication. Once treatment for these complications becomes ineffective, the next step is considered to be a liver transplant. Nearly all complications can be treated with a transplant.<\/p>\n
However, in many cases, careful management can reduce the harmful effects of cirrhosis and may delay or even prevent the need for a transplant.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
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