Liver cirrhosis is a disease characterized by chronic and progressive inflammation of the liver, resulting in its degeneration. The liver becomes hard and unable to perform its function in the digestive process. Know if cirrhosis has a cure.
Cirrhosis may be related to several conditions, the main ones being:
1. Viral hepatitis B and C
Hepatitis B and C are the main causes of cirrhosis, especially when the person has infection with the delta virus (HDV), HIV virus or chronic alcoholism.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver whose characteristic symptom is the yellowish skin and whites of the eye. Learn all about hepatitis.
2. Abuse of alcoholic beverages
The immediate responses of alcohol consumption are memory failure, loss of coordination for walking, and slow speech. In addition, the consumption of more than 60 g of alcohol per day (men) and 20 g of alcohol per day (women) for a period of more than 10 years is one of the causes of cirrhosis, but its symptoms are only noticed in the late phase of disease. Here are the top 8 diseases caused by alcohol.
Wilson's disease
It is a rare, hereditary disease that has no cure characterized by the inability of the body to metabolize copper, with accumulation in several organs, mainly brain and liver, and can cause serious damage to these organs. Learn more about Wilson's disease.
Genetic hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is a rare genetic disease in which there is accumulation of iron in the liver and other organs due to a change in the gut. Understand hemochromatosis and how to identify the symptoms.
5. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Although it is not known exactly what causes it, this disease can be related to type 1 diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol, which can result in cirrhosis.
6. Medications
Some medicines can cause cirrhosis when used in excess or without medical advice, such as Isoniazid, Nitrofurantoin, Amiodarone, Methotrexate, Chlorpromazine and Diclofenac.
7. Autoimmune hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammation of the liver caused by the body itself due to a dysfunction of the immune system. This type of hepatitis occurs more in women over the age of 30 and can be indicated by the doctor the use of corticoids or liver transplants, but it does not always represent a cure. Here's how to identify and treat autoimmune hepatitis.
8. Chronic cholestasis
Chronic cholestasis is a condition in which bile can not be delivered from the liver to the duodenum and may be due to blockage of the bile ducts by the presence of tumors or gallstones or because of bile production deficiency. Chronic cholestasis can lead to cirrhosis and is more common in ulcerative colitis.
9. Obstruction of blood flow out of the liver (Budd-Chiari syndrome)
Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare disease in which there are large blood clots that cause obstruction of the veins that drain the liver, and there is poor irrigation of the organ. Understand what Budd-Chiari syndrome is.
Other causes
In addition to the aforementioned causes, cirrhosis can be caused by alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, cystic fibrosis, biliary atresia and porphyria, and although it is a serious disease, it is possible to interrupt its evolution through correct treatment. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy habits and seek medical advice when any liver-related symptoms, such as weakness, poor appetite, and weight loss, are noticed. See the symptoms of liver cirrhosis.
Treatment for cirrhosis
Treatment for liver cirrhosis can be done by taking medications according to medical guidance and changes in lifestyle. It is necessary that the person has adequate food and follow all the medical guidelines, but in some cases, only the liver transplant will be able to solve the problem. During treatment for cirrhosis, ultrasound should be performed every 6 months to check treatment progression and liver response.
People with cirrhosis who are not carriers of hepatitis A and B can and should be advised to take the vaccine against hepatitis A and hepatitis B to prevent these diseases, since they can aggravate liver impairment, increasing the death chasms. Learn more about treatment for cirrhosis.
