Liver cirrhosis is a fairly serious disease, as a result of which some hepatocytes are destroyed, forming scar tissue.
The most dangerous complication of this disease is liver failure.
Poor blood circulation in the liver can cause varicose veins of the esophagus.
There are about 100 million patients with liver cirrhosis on our planet, and 500 thousand deaths are recorded annually.
The main signs of liver cirrhosis are: spider-like blood vessels on the chest and shoulders; menstrual cycle disorders in women; loss of sexual desire; breast enlargement in men; fatigue; sleep problems; redness of the palms; swelling of the legs and arms; prolonged itching; abdominal enlargement; blood vomiting; black stool with blood; dark colored urine; jaundice of the skin and eyes; significant weight loss/gain.
The liver of a healthy adult weighs 2.5 kg.
The most important functions of the liver are: producing bile, maintaining normal blood composition, detoxifying the body, destroying damaged red blood cells, maintaining immunity.
The liver can work even if 70% of its weight is destroyed.
The causes of liver cirrhosis can be: alcohol abuse; long courses of drug treatment; prolonged exposure to harmful substances on the body; long-term bile obstruction; genetic defects; viruses.
Alcohol abuse can cause severe damage to the liver, outweighing the beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.
Women can consume 1-2 glasses of wine per day, and men about 2-3 glasses. But these values may be lower depending on your health status.
Alcoholic hepatitis and fatty degeneration of hepatocytes (fatty hepatosis) can affect the development of liver cirrhosis.
Hepatitis B and C viruses can cause cirrhosis of the liver.
In Wilson-Konovalov disease, copper accumulates in the liver, and in hemochromatosis, iron accumulates. Both diseases can be complicated by cirrhosis.
Galactosemia is characterized by impaired carbohydrate metabolism, which negatively affects the liver.
Congenital bile duct defects and gallstones are also possible causes of this disease.
Diagnosis of liver cirrhosis includes liver tests and liver tissue biopsy.
Treatment of the disease requires changes in diet, avoidance of contact with various chemicals, treatment of hepatitis or Wilson-Konovalov disease, hemochromatosis, and complete abstinence from alcohol.
Liver transplantation is the last resort for treating the disease. But it may not be suitable for everyone due to various risks.
Milk thistle is used to treat cirrhosis.
Nutrition for cirrhosis includes various recommendations. It is especially important not to abuse alcoholic beverages and medications, and to avoid consuming raw shellfish and crustaceans.
