Cirrhosis of the Liver

Also known as: cirrhosis.

What is cirrhosis of the liver?

Cirrhosis is a fancy term for scarring of the liver. It can occur due to alcohol abuse, hepatitis, and other reasons. As cirrhosis advances, it can negatively affect the function of the liver.
 

What causes cirrhosis of the liver?

While alcohol abuse is a common cause of cirrhosis of the liver in adults, several other conditions can lead to this as well. In the pediatric age group, a wide range of infections (including viral hepatitis), metabolic abnormalities, inflammation in the liver that is created by a person’s own immune system (called “autoimmune hepatitis”), medications, and conditions damaging the bile ducts can all lead to cirrhosis.
 

What are the symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver?

Symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), easy bruising or bleeding, leg swelling, nausea, fatigue, itchiness, weight loss, confusion, slurred speech, several other symptoms and rarely end stage liver disease.
 

What are cirrhosis of the liver care options?

Typically the damage of cirrhosis of the liver cannot be undone. Outcomes are best if the disease creating inflammation in the liver is detected and treated early. Treatment for alcohol addiction is a must, and medications can help with hepatitis or other problems. Certain therapies can help with fluid buildup related to cirrhosis. In some situations, a liver transplant may be a possibility.


Reviewed by: John M. Peters, DO

This page was last updated on: March 20, 2019 04:06 PM