Cirrhosis is caused by a variety of medical conditions, all of which result in scarring and dysfunction of the liver. Fatty liver precedes cirrhosis in many cases, but does not need to be present for cirrhosis to occur. Taking steps to control fatty liver and other medical conditions can reduce your risk of developing cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is the term for scarring and loss of functional tissue in the liver, caused by a variety of medical conditions. As normal tissue is destroyed, the liver becomes increasingly unable to perform its necessary functions. Your liver loses the ability to filter toxins from the blood, process hormones and nutrients, synthesize proteins necessary for blood clotting or produce bile to aid in the absorption of fatty foods and fat-soluble vitamins. Symptoms and signs of cirrhosis include fatigue, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal swelling and pain, itching, bleeding, bruising, jaundice and increased blood pressure in the abdominal veins.
Causes of Cirrhosis
Alcohol abuse and chronic hepatitis C are the leading causes of cirrhosis in the United States, with obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease becoming increasingly common, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Additional conditions that can lead to cirrhosis include other types of chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, bile duct diseases with scarring, hemochromatosis and significant exposure to certain chemicals or drugs. These conditions can all result in progressive scarring of the liver and cirrhosis, but most are not associated with fatty liver.
The Link Between Fatty Liver and Cirrhosis
Fatty liver describes the presence of increased fat deposits in the liver, and is associated with several different types of liver injury with or without cirrhosis. When linked to cirrhosis, fatty liver is classified as either alcoholic or non-alcoholic in origin. Alcohol is toxic to the liver and can cause a spectrum of changes including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis. Alcoholic fatty liver often precedes alcoholic cirrhosis, but is simply another sign of toxicity and does not directly lead to cirrhosis. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is increasingly common in both children and adults and has been linked to the noted increases in obesity, diabetes and cholesterol problems. Most people with this form of fatty liver follow a very benign course, but if liver inflammation known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is also present, about 25 percent of people will go on to develop cirrhosis, according to the American Liver Foundation.
Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Cirrhosis
Preventing cirrhosis requires slowing or stopping damage to your liver from any cause. Fatty liver is an early sign of liver injury, and you can take steps to help prevent it from progressing. Stopping all alcohol use, any drugs with known liver toxicity and avoiding chemical exposures is recommended whenever possible. For non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, work closely with your health care provider to optimize your health by losing weight, controlling blood sugars and maintaining a healthy diet. Any weight loss should be done gradually to be most effective, so extreme diets or herbal remedies are usually not advised.
