Cirrhosis Of The Liver A Life Threatening Ailment

It’s the twelfth leading cause of death from disease, claiming more than 26,000 people a year. And while it’s primarily associated with drinking, there are other factors that are equally dangerous.

Cirrhosis of the liver causes scarring, preventing the vital organ from removing toxins from the blood and allowing your body to fend off infections from a host of would be invaders.

It’s not only a dangerous disease, it can be a fatal one, too. No one can live long without a fully functioning liver.

Here’s a look at what you need to know about this devastating disease.

Symptoms

• exhaustion,
• fatigue,
• loss of appetite,
• nausea,
• weakness,
• weight loss,
• abdominal pain,
• spider-like blood vessels that develop on the skin.

Causes

Alcoholism

  The most common reason cirrhosis develops. It can take up to ten years for a heavy drinker to show signs of the ailment. A lot depends on your tolerance for the drug and how much you imbibe. Scientists believe alcohol somehow blocks the normal metabolism of protein, fats and carbohydrates, injuring the organ.    

Chronic hepatitis C

 

The second most common cause. The infection causes minor damage to the liver but over a period of decades it can lead to the development of cirrhosis.

 

Chronic hepatitis B and D.

 

Both can lead to the same kinds of problems as Hep C, although the B strain is the more common virus.

 

Autoimmune hepatitis

 

This one occurs when an autoimmune ailment attacks the organ, causing inflammation and the eventual scarring typical of the disease.

 

Inherited diseases

 

There are several thankfully rare sicknesses that can causes cirrhosis to run in a family. They interfere with the way the liver deals with toxic substances in the body.

 

Blocked bile ducts

 

The liver produces bile that normally helps deal with the poisons that would otherwise build up in your system. But if the ducts that carry it become blocked, the corrosive substance can back up into the organ, causing damage and leading to cirrhosis.

 

You should seek help if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden weight gain with increased size of your abdomen
• Increasing water retention
• Jaundice
• Changes in your mental faculties or behavior
• New or different responses to medications
• Bleeding that takes longer than usual to stop
• Blood in your vomit or stool
• Difficulty breathing
• Abdominal pain
• Confusion or bizarre behavior
• Repeated vomiting
• Fever

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for cirrhosis and usually only a liver transplant can restore a patient to full health once the damage has been done.