Cirrhosis of the Liver

Contents of this Article

What is Cirrhosis of the Liver?
Causes of Cirrhosis of the Liver
Symptoms of Cirrhosis of the Liver

Complications of Cirrhosis of the Liver
Diagnosis of Cirrhosis of the Liver

Treatment for Cirrhosis of the Liver
For More Information About Cirrhosis of the Liver

What is Cirrhosis of the Liver?

Cirrhosis, pronounced suh-ROH-sis, is the result of chronic liver disease, where the liver is scarred and no longer functions properly. This causes many complications, including build up of fluid in the abdomen, bleeding disorders, increased pressure in the blood vessels and brain function disorders.

The liver, the largest organ in the body, is essential in keeping the body functioning properly. It removes or neutralizes poisons from the blood, produces immune agents to control infection, and removes germs and bacteria from the blood. It makes proteins that regulate blood clotting and produces bile to help absorb fats and fat soluble vitamins. You cannot live without a functioning liver.

In cirrhosis of the liver, scar tissue replaces normal, healthy tissue, blocking the flow of blood through the organ and preventing it from working as it should. Cirrhosis is the 12th leading cause of death by disease, killing about 26,000 people each year. Also, the cost of cirrhosis in terms of human suffering, hospital costs, and lost productivity is high.

Normal Liver Liver with Cirrhosis

References:
NIH Publication No. 04 1134
December 2003
digestive.niddk.nih.gov

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