Cirrhosis is a condition where the liver is damaged due to the formation of scar tissue. This scar tissue is formed due to prolonged liver disease, for example due to viral hepatitis infection or alcohol addiction.
Viral infections or excessive alcohol consumption can injure the liver slowly. The liver will repair the injury by forming scar tissue. If the damage or abnormality in the liver continues, the scar tissue that forms will be more and more and interfere with liver function.
If it occurs over many years, cirrhosis can lead to liver failure, so that the liver no longer functions properly. However, if the cause is treated, the progression of cirrhosis can be stopped or slowed.
Symptoms of Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis initially causes no symptoms. But when liver damage gets worse, sufferers will experience weakness, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. Immediately see a doctor if symptoms appear:
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- Vomiting blood
- Enlarged belly
Causes of Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis results from long-term liver damage, which can be triggered by the following factors:
- Hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Excess weight
In infants, cirrhosis can occur due to a congenital abnormality called biliary atresia.
Cirrhosis Diagnosis
Doctors can determine if a person has cirrhosis by observing changes in the patient's body. But to be more sure, the doctor will run blood tests, imaging tests, or take a tissue sample from the liver.
Cirrhosis Treatment
Treatment of cirrhosis aims to prevent further damage and relieve symptoms. If the liver is no longer functioning, the patient will need to undergo a liver transplant, which is replacing the damaged liver with a healthy liver from a donor.
Cirrhosis Prevention
Cirrhosis can be prevented by avoiding the causes, such as not sharing needles, practicing safe sexual activities, and limiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Maintaining an ideal body weight by exercising regularly, and consuming a healthy and balanced diet also needs to be done. In addition, it is important to carry out hepatitis B vaccination according to the advice of a doctor.