Cirrhosis is a chronic disease characterized by the presence of irreversible scarring of the liver and diffuse nodule (constituted of regenerating liver cells).

Cirrhosis (say "suh-ROH-sus") is a very serious condition in which scarring damages the liver. The liver is a large organ that is part of the digestive system . It does a wide range of complex jobs that are vital for life. For example, the liver: Makes many important substances, including bile to help digest food and clotting factors that help stop bleeding. When a person has cirrhosis, scar tissue (fibrosis ) replaces healthy tissue and prevents the liver from working as it should.

Hepatic Lipidosis is the medical term for Fatty Liver, seen most often in cats. Learn how this condition can occur and what cats are most at risk in this FAQ.

Cirrhosis of the liver is the end result of various insults on the liver. The insults could be poisons or viruses. It is a process wherein the normal liver tissue is replaced by non-functioning fibrous tissue. This alters the blood flow within the liver causing other pathways to open thus resulting in various complications.

Long-term, heavy use of alcohol. This is the most common cause of cirrhosis in the United States. Alcoholic cirrhosis can develop after 10 or more years of heavy drinking (5 or more drinks a day for a man or 3 or more drinks a day for a woman).1 See a picture to learn what is one drink . Chronic viral hepatitis. Cirrhosis develops in about 10 to 20 out of 100 people with long-term (chronic) viral hepatitis (mainly hepatitis B or C).

The doctor will start with a physical exam and questions about your symptoms and past health. If the doctor suspects cirrhosis, you may have blood tests and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan. These tests can help your doctor find out what is causing the liver damage and how severe it is. To confirm that you have cirrhosis, the doctor may do a liver biopsy, using a needle to take a sample of liver tissue for testing.

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This retention of fluids with a reduction in the synthesis of proteins can lead on to swelling of the legs (Oedema). The blood flow through the liver could be blocked causing alternate pathways to open up. This leads to dilatation of veins especially in the lower end of the food pipe (oesophagus). These veins can rupture causing massive bleeding. The liver can fail in its function of removing various poisons in the body causing altered behaviour patterns and eventually coma and death.

Cirrhosis of liver may lead to portal hypertension (increased pressure of the blood in portal circulation). This may result in vomiting of blood, black coloured stools, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites). There may be an alteration in levels of consciousness with tremors, forgetfulness (hepatic encephalopathy) because of the toxins which are not being cleared by the liver. As the liver is unable to synthesize proteins necessary for clotting, there may be increased bleeding tendency.

Treatment of cirrhosis generally depends on the clinical manifestation and underlying liver function. The patient may require endoscopic banding/sclerotherapy of the esophageal varices if he has had vomiting of blood or black stools. He/she may need diuretics (medicines to increase urine output) for fluid collection in abdomen and swelling of feet.

No. It is a popular misconception that cirrhosis only affects people who drink too much alcohol over the years. In fact there are many children with liver disorders. Item 2a listening ear, whether you need one phone call or long term support. We can ring back, write to you or, if you prefer arrange someone to meet you.

The ideal treatment of decompensated cirrhosis is liver transplantation. Other forms of treatment like liver dialysis may serve as temporary supportive measures and as a bridge to transplantation. TOP

When the scarring of cirrhosis interferes with the flow of blood from the the stomach and intestines to the liver, a condition called portal hypertension may develop. This simply means that there is back pressure in the veins entering the liver. Surgical "shunting", or rerouting of blood away from the liver and into the general circulation can relieve this pressure, but it often causes a new set of problems.

Milk thistle is not intended to treat any condition or disease. It has been shown in clinical studies to protect liver cells from damage and help regenerate liver cells. Cirrhosis is generally considered an irreversible condition that can sometimes be slowed or halted depending upon the severity and cause. For example, cirrhosis caused by alcohol consumption can sometimes be stopped in its tracks by the complete removal of alcohol from the diet.

Pau D'Arco. It has been used as a panacea in South America for centuries. Research has shown that it contains a natural antibacterial agent, has a healing effect on the entire body... Bilirubin is measured as part of a routine blood test given during medical check-ups or when a person is hospitalized. Elevations in bilirubin cause jaundice and may indicate... Bilirubin, a product of hemoglobin metabolism, is conjugated in the liver and excreted in bile.

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) is a disease of the bile ducts in the liver. In PBC the bile ducts become inflamed. The inflammation is chronic and eventually blocks and destroys bile ducts. If bile ducts are damaged, this affects the proper drainage of bile, a liquid substance produced by the liver that carries away waste and helps the digestive process. The bile backs up into the liver and blood causing various symptoms.