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Liver Cirrhosis |
Liver Cirrhosis |
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| What is Liver Cirrhosis ? |
| Cirrhosis is a disease in which normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue, which interferes with all of these important functions |
| Causes of Liver Cirrhosis |
Cirrhosis has many causes. In the United States and Europe, the most common causes are excessive alcohol use and chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus.
Rarer causes of cirrhosis include:
- Autoimmune diseases that attack the bile ducts or liver cells
- Severe reactions to prescription drugs
- Prolonged exposure to environmental toxins
- Infections from bacteria and parasites usually found in the tropics
- Repeated episodes of heart failure with liver congestion
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| Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis |
The resulting symptoms and complications include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
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| Diagnosis of Liver Cirrhosis |
| Your doctor will ask about your medical history, family history of liver disease, diet, alcohol consumption, medications you are taking and risk factors for hepatitis B and C, such as intravenous drug use. During a physical examination, the doctor determines whether the liver feels harder or larger than normal, looks for skin changes such as bruising and jaundice and looks for evidence of fluid swelling in the legs or abdomen. |
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