2006-09-01 23:49:17 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease characterized by replacement of liver tissue by fibrotic scar tissue as well as regenerative nodules, leading to progressive loss of liver function. Cirrhosis is most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C, and was the 12th leading cause of death in the United States in 2000.[1] Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infections, and a poor long term outcome. In advanced stages of cirrhosis, the condition is irreversible and the only option would be a liver transplant.
2006-09-01 23:54:57 · answer #1 · answered by Smokey 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Liver Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when scarring damages the liver. This scarring (also called fibrosis) replaces healthy tissue and prevents the liver from working normally. Cirrhosis usually develops after years of liver inflammation.
The major causes of cirrhosis are drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over many years or having certain forms of viral hepatitis (mainly hepatitis B or C). There are several other causes of cirrhosis that are less common and some people have cirrhosis without an obvious cause.
As cirrhosis develops, scar tissue surrounds normal liver cells, making the tissue bumpy, or nodular. This nodular liver tissue can block the bile ducts or make them swollen, which can cause bile to back up in the liver and bloodstream. Scar tissue also may block blood flow through the liver. Obstruction of blood flow can cause the veins that bring blood to the liver to become larger and may lead to high blood pressure in the veins that flow from the intestines to the liver.
CAUSES: Alcoholic liver disease; Chronic Hepatitis B, C, and D; Autoimmune Hepatitis; Inherited diseases; Blocked bile ducts; Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); Drugs, toxins, and infections.
2006-09-02 07:02:06 · answer #2 · answered by mom of girls 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
drinking is the main cause. My great grandmother died of cirrhosis when she was 82 but she never drank. It can run in families too....
2006-09-04 23:04:22 · answer #3 · answered by nick031297 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Laennec's cirrhosis, portal cirrhosis is alcohol related
Portal cirrhosis is associated with inflammatory disease of the biliary tract.
2006-09-02 07:50:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alcoholism (or regular abuse or heavy consumption of alcohol) is the biggest cause of cirrhosis.
2006-09-02 11:00:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
cirrhosis isn't a death sentance. a human can live on 20 percent liver function. nobody has a perfect liver anyway. toxins from foods the air we breathe ect. but what makes us look foward to the weekend sadly has a detrimental effect on the liver.
2006-09-02 07:01:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. Alcohol
2. Hepatitis C
3. Hepatitis B and D
4. Autoimmune Hepatitis
5. Inherited diseases ( Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, galactosemia, and glycogen storage diseases)
6. Blocked bile ducts
7. Drugs (Acetaminophen)
8. Parasites (schistosomiasis)
2006-09-03 09:27:05 · answer #7 · answered by lost student 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
illnesses such as hepatitis, long term use of painkillers such as paracetamol and the biggest wrecker of liver is...alcohol. Even though it can regenerate, even though a small portion might be left to keep you alive, the remainder will eventually fail because it is hardened.
2006-09-02 07:09:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think hepatitis C is the main cause...including alcohol, of course.
2006-09-02 07:04:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Over consumption of Alcohol.
Over-dose of Pain-killers, paracetamol, etc.
Intolerance 2 other prescription drugs.
2006-09-02 06:52:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋