Cirrhosis of the liver describes a chronic liver disease characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the liver. Because blood flows from the digestive tract directly to the liver, ingested toxins such as medications, illegal drugs and alcohol can damage the liver cells. In addition, dysfunction of nearby organs or viral infections can also damage the liver. Continued damage causes scar tissue to buildup in the liver inhibiting its ability to function. Although no cure for cirrhosis exists, available treatments help to slow the progression of the disease while relieving symptoms.
Early Diagnosis
Cirrhosis of the liver occurs slowly over time only causing symptoms once the failing liver results in additional complications. Once scar tissue forms, the damage cannot be reversed. Therefore early diagnosis allows treatments to prevent further damage saving as much healthy liver tissue as possible. Doctors diagnose cirrhosis through a physical examination, a medical history assessing risk factors and blood tests that can determine liver function.
Treating the Causes
To prevent further damage, doctors need to treat the cause of the cirrhosis. Hepatitis, inflammation of the liver, can occur due to a viral infection. Hepatitis C accounts for approximately 60 to 70 percent of all chronic hepatitis infections, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. To treat chronic hepatitis infections doctors prescribe alpha interferon, a medication made from a protein produced in response to the infection. Alpha interferon attacks and destroys the viral particles.
Lifestyle Changes
Alcoholism, the prolonged excessive use of alcohol, remains the most common cause of cirrhosis in the United States, according to the Merck Manual. Making lifestyle changes, including discontinuing the use of alcohol, is vital to any cirrhosis treatment plan. Even small amounts of alcohol can allow the disease to progress further. In addition, because the liver breaks down any ingested medications, it may be necessary to take smaller doses of over-the-counter or prescription medications to prevent further damage to the liver.
Treating the Comlications
Cirrhosis of the liver leads to many complications. The buildup of scar tissue prevents blood from flowing freely through the liver. This results in high blood pressure in the vein carrying blood from the digestive tract to the liver, a condition known as portal hypertension. Beta blocker medications help to slow the heartbeat and dilate blood vessels to relieve this hypertension. The high blood pressure can cause fluid to build up in the abdomen, a condition known as ascites, or extremities, known as edema. Diuretic medications induce the kidneys to remove excess salts and water from the body therefore relieving these conditions.
Liver Transplant
When all other treatments fail to relieve the symptoms of complications, a liver transplant may be necessary. A liver transplant involves removing the entire diseased liver and replacing it with a liver provided by a donor. Doctors in the United States perform approximately 6,000 liver transplants per year, according to MayoClinic.com. Although liver transplant surgery carries many risks, usually there is no other option for end-stage cirrhosis of the liver.
