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Cirrhosis is a degenerative disease of the liver that interferes with the liver's normal functions.
These functions include: - storing and filtering blood
- vitamin absorption
- making bile for digestion
- converting sugars to energy or for storage
- hormonal metabolism and
- other metabolic activities
Long-term alcohol abuse is the most common cause of cirrhosis. Hepatitis and poor nutrition are other causes. SYMPTOMS OF CIRRHOSIS ARE: - nausea
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- abdominal pain and
- vomiting
Other early symptoms may include loss of sex drive, impotence, irregular menstrual periods, and painfully enlarged breasts in men. Long-term symptoms include muscle wasting, red splotches on hands, red spider patterns on skin, hair loss, and nervous disorders in the arms and legs. SEVERE CIRRHOSIS CAN CAUSE: - liver failure
- kidney failure
- internal bleeding
- collection of fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
- brain disorders (confusion, psychosis) and
- lowered resistance to infection
Diagnosis is made by biopsy, x-ray, physical exams, and blood tests. Treatment includes total abstinence from alcohol, even if alcohol is not the cause. A healthy diet with enough protein, plenty of rest, and vitamins is helpful. Because many medications are processed in the liver, unnecessary medications should be avoided. Long-term survival is possible from alcoholic cirrhosis as long as the damage is not too severe. Alcohol must be given up completely. Article #5401 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
