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Cirrhosis
Medical Questions » Cirrhosis
| Name: Cirrhosis |
| Also known as: |
| Slowly developing damage to the liver resulting in it becoming hard and enlarged as normal tissue is replaced by fibrous scar tissue. |
Causes of Cirrhosis
Recurrent attacks of hepatitis A, one attack of hepatitis B, other liver infections, excess alcohol intake, gall stones, a number of rare diseases that affect the liver (eg. haemochromatosis, Wilson' s disease, Gaucher' s disease see separate entries), toxins, poisons (eg. arsenic) and drugs (eg. methotrexate, isoniazid). |
Symptoms of Cirrhosis
Itchy skin without a rash, jaundice (yellow skin), diarrhea, abdominal discomfort. |
Tests for Cirrhosis
The diagnosis is confirmed by blood tests, and ultrasound and/or CT scans of the liver. |
Treatment for Cirrhosis
Other than a liver transplant, there is no cure for cirrhosis. Patients must stop all further alcohol intake to reduce further damage. Vitamin supplements and nutritious diets are recommended. Medication can be
prescribed to ease some symptoms.
|
Complications of Cirrhosis of its treatment
Liver failure and portal hypertension (see separate entry). |
Likely Outcome of Cirrhosis
The liver tends to become steadily more damaged until it ceases to function completely. |
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