Cirrhosis is a disease that causes scarring of the liver, resulting in tissue and cell damage. Cirrhosis impairs liver function and can lead to many serious complications, such as increased pressure in the portal vein (which transports blood from the intestines, spleen and pancreas to the liver), jaundice and liver cancer.
In the United States, the leading cause of cirrhosis is alcohol abuse and the next most common causes are chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Many patients experience no symptoms of cirrhosis in the early stages of the disease. In the later stages, symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue or fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites).
Cirrhosis may be diagnosed by a physician during a physical examination that includes a medical history and list of medications. Some tests that may be performed include a liver function test, ultrasound and liver biopsy.
There is no cure for cirrhosis, which results in about 26,000 deaths each year, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The focus of treatment is to prevent or delay progression of the disease and to prevent or reduce complications. Patients must avoid all alcohol and eat a healthy diet. Treatment may also include treating complications of cirrhosis, such as taking medication to lower blood pressure in the portal vein. If liver failure occurs, a liver transplant may be needed.
Some cases of cirrhosis may not be preventable. Some may be prevented by avoiding alcohol or drinking in moderation, receiving a vaccination for hepatitis B and minimizing the risk of contracting hepatitis C by using a condom during sexual intercourse.
2006-11-05 05:11:04
·
answer #1
·
answered by bethybug 5
·
0⤊
0⤋
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.
2006-11-05 04:58:50
·
answer #2
·
answered by Dark Knight 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
Do a quick search, you'll lots of good links. Note: low carb diets are NOT safe for people with cirrhosis or kidney disease.
The liver is the metabolizer of fat burning. When it's compromised it can't take a lot of work so you don't want a quick weight loss diet like Kimkins.
2006-11-05 05:08:58
·
answer #3
·
answered by ? 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
Cirrhosis is a liver sickness, blood within the urine could point out an trouble within the bladder or kidneys... tea coloured urine could be much more likely for the kidneys even as shiny crimson could point out the bladder. Either method... blood within the urine demands to be obvious by way of a Dr on an emergent groundwork, as in in these days.
2016-09-01 07:35:05
·
answer #4
·
answered by peentu 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
Just look under your search here on the internet probly can find something good.
2006-11-05 05:45:31
·
answer #5
·
answered by cshell442003 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
Please see the webpages for more details on Cirrhosis.
2006-11-05 05:01:56
·
answer #6
·
answered by gangadharan nair 7
·
0⤊
0⤋