Where does liver cirrhosis come from and how to recognize it

The scarring is called fibrosis. When there are too many scars, it develops into cirrhosis Cirrhosis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic, and the liver ceases to perform its main functions. Such an organ is no longer capable of filtering the blood from all kinds of toxins, or participating in the production of bile, or producing important blood elements. In severe cases, cirrhosis is fatal.

What are the causes of liver cirrhosis

Every time the liver receives this or that injury, it tries to repair itself. So scars appear on it - fibrosis begins. If the lesions become permanent and last for years, the organ tissue is almost completely replaced by scar tissue.

Various factors can injure the liver. Here are the most common Symptoms & Causes of Cirrhosis.

Chronic alcohol abuse.
Inflammation of the liver. For example, viral hepatitis A, B, C.
Autoimmune hepatitis.
Accumulation of fat in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty disease).
The accumulation of iron in the body (hemochromatosis).
Cystic fibrosis.
Accumulation of copper in the liver (Wilson's disease).
Poorly formed bile ducts that obstruct the flow of bile (biliary arthresia).
Destruction of the bile ducts (primary biliary cirrhosis).
Hereditary disorders of sugar metabolism.
Infections. For example, syphilis or brucellosis.
Long-term use of certain medications, including Cirrhosis. Causes antibiotics, antidepressants and sleeping pills.

What are the symptoms of liver cirrhosis

The liver has no nerve endings, so scarring is asymptomatic. Until most of the organ is damaged. Only then will the first, earliest Symptoms & Causes of Cirrhosis signs appear:

unmotivated weakness;
fast fatiguability;
poor appetite;
weight loss - without changing lifestyle and nutrition;
nausea;
mild pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen, under the ribs.

As cirrhosis progresses, symptoms become more pronounced:

unexplained itching of the skin;
darkening of urine;
bruises that appear easily and do not go away for a long time;
swelling of the legs, ankles, feet;
redness of the palms;
in women, the cessation of menstruation, which is not associated with menopause;
in men - loss of sex drive, breast augmentation, testicular atrophy;
drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech;
bloating due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, this complication of cirrhosis is called ascites;
jaundice.

If you experience similar symptoms or simply assume that something is wrong with your liver, see a physician or gastroenterologist as soon as possible.

The doctor will examine you, ask you about your symptoms, and offer you blood tests. In particular, liver tests (they will show the level of enzymes that appear when liver cells are destroyed) and tests for viral hepatitis. A liver biopsy may also be needed to determine the extent of the lesion.

How to treat liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis - Diagnosis and Treatment - Mayo Clinic therapy will depend on the cause and extent of the liver damage.

It is impossible to restore tissue already damaged by scars. But you can stop further liver damage, reduce symptoms, and help the organ to cope with its functions.

The underlying condition or disease that caused the scarring is usually treated. Here's what a healthcare professional might recommend or prescribe for you.

Complete rejection of alcohol. The doctor will recommend this for alcoholic liver disease. Alcohol actively destroys the organ, every sip is a poison.
Weight loss to normal. Losing weight is especially important if you have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Taking medications for hepatitis. Antiviral drugs can cure hepatitis B and C.
Taking medications to control other causes and symptoms of cirrhosis. These can be drugs that dilate narrowed or blocked bile ducts, or drugs that help relieve itching.

In severe cases, surgery may be required, up to liver transplantation.

How to prevent cirrhosis

To prevent liver damage and prevent existing ones from developing, doctors recommend Treatment and Prevention of Cirrhosis to closely monitor health.

Give up alcohol and especially drugs.
Be sure to consult with a physician before starting any medication, including over-the-counter medications and even herbal supplements.
Take your medications exactly as directed.
If possible, get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, as well as influenza, shingles, and some bacterial pneumonia.
Regularly, at least once a year or two, take blood tests for hepatitis.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein (legumes, poultry, fish).
Avoid eating raw seafood.
Try not to over-salt your food.
Maintain a healthy body weight.