What is cirrhosis of the liver?

            Cirrhosis is a liver disease which renders a part of the spongy liver tissue scarred and useless. It can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, poisonous fumes, hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver. Once the liver tissue gets scarred, it cannot be repaired. The liver is the largest and a very important organ in the body since it helps to digest food and keeps the blood clear. Once the liver tissue gets scarred the liver may become useless and stop making proteins and purifying the blood. 

            The commonest type of cirrhosis is known as Laennec’s cirrhosis. Although it can occur at any age, it usually affects the people between 40-60 years of age. It is more commonly found among the males than among the females. To begin with, this involves an abnormal increase in liver fat. Soon the liver starts degenerating and in the end only a little fat is left.

            Cirrhosis can block the blood vessels of the liver and cause internal bleeding. Many people afflicted by cirrhosis become weak and lose weight. In certain cases the abdomen gets swollen with excess body fluids. The patient’s skin and eyes may become yellow. 

            Cirrhosis is of several types. Postnecroti cirrhosis is caused by viral infection of the toxins. The pigmentary cirrhosis occurs when the iron deposition in the liver cells crosses the normal level because of a blood disorder, or too much iron in the ducts, or an accumulation of iron from blood transfusions. In Wilson’s disease, the copper present in the liver becomes in excess. The syphilitic cirrhosis is indicated by large, soft lesions in the liver which erode the tissue and eventually leave masses of scarred tissues and fissures.

            Cirrhosis may also give rise to high blood pressure in the portal vein that can lead to haemorrhages in the spleen, liver, besophagus or intestines. The disease can be treated in the early stages by drugs, proper diet and by avoiding alcohol. In some extreme cases, surgical operation may be needed. If not controlled, cirrhosis can lead to coma and eventually death.