Cirrhosis is the last stage of liver disease. Scar tissue replaces the healthy liver and this damages the liver. The tissue prevents the liver from normal functioning. The functions of the liver include:
- The liver produces bile which carry waste products. Bile breaks down fat during digestion.
- Removal of hormones and drugs.
- The liver activates enzymes.
- It produces cholesterol.
- In addition, it also produces certain proteins for the blood.
- The liver stores vitamins and minerals.
Liver cirrhosis is not passed on by family members. However, families can pass on diseases leading to the damage of the liver. This, therefore, causes cirrhosis. It is important to note that there are four stages of liver disease. They include; swelling, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure.
What causes Liver Cirrhosis?
- Alcohol abuse.
- Infections of the liver such as Hepatitis B and C.
- Obesity.
- Diabetes.
- Toxic metals.
- Viruses.
- The body’s immune system, however may attack the liver causing the disease.
Serious complications of liver cirrhosis include liver cancer and swelling of the abdomen.
Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis.
- Fever.
- Loss of appetite.
- Feeling tired.
- Weakness.
- Yellowing of the skin.
- Unexpected weight loss.
Diagnosis.
The doctors begin by asking about the patient’s medical history. Doctors perform a physical examination. Blood tests are also done. The blood is checked for signs of liver disease. Moreover, the disease can be recognized through liver biopsy. Doctors also do imaging tests to check the size and shape of the liver.
Treatment.
Treatment is to prevent more damage to the liver. Similarly, it detects liver cancer early. The life span of a patient with cirrhosis is twelve years or more. However, for a patient with advanced cirrhosis is six months to two years.
Remedies to keep the liver from getting worse.
- Avoid medicines that stress the liver.
- Patients to stop consuming alcohol.
- Eating a healthy balanced diet with low fats.
Similarly, healthy habits include exercising daily and avoiding smoking. However, there is no cure for cirrhosis of the liver. This is because it is the last stage of the disease.
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