It is scarring of the liver and poor liver function as a result of chronic damage to the liver. With mild cirrhosis, the liver can make repairs and continue its function in the body. However, with more advanced cirrhosis, more and more scar tissues form in the liver which cause the liver to gradually lose its ability to function normally.
There are many causes of cirrhosis. The common causes are chronic alcohol abuse, chronic viral hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, autoimmune hepatitis, cryptogenic cirrhosis (cirrhosis due to unknown causes), and inherited disorder such as hemochromatosis (abnormal accumulation of iron) and Wilson’s disease (abnormal accumulation of copper).
The less common causes include unusual reaction to some drugs, and prolonged exposure to toxins.
There is often no signs or symptoms until the liver damage is already quite extensive.
Liver Cirrhosis is normally diagnosed through:
The treatment given is aimed at preventing further damage to the liver and to manage the complications of cirrhosis. If cirrhosis progresses and becomes life-threatening, a liver transplant will then be considered.
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