Cirrhosis

Causes of Cirrhosis

Causes of cirrhosis include:

• Alcoholism
• Chronic hepatitis B and C
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Bile duct disorders such as primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Metabolic disorders such as hemachromatosis, Wilson's disease, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
• Prolonged exposure to certain types of chemicals and medications

Complications

Cirrhosis can cause many serious complications including:

• Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen)
• Variceal hemorrhage, severe bleeding of varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus and upper stomach)
• Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, a severe infection of the abdominal fluid
• Hepatic encephalopathy, damage to the brain caused by buildup in the body of toxins such as ammonia
• Hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

All patients with cirrhosis can benefit from certain types of lifestyle interventions. These include:

• Stop drinking alcohol.
• Restrict dietary salt.
• Eat a nutritious diet.
• Get vaccinations for influenza, hepatitis A and B, and pneumococcal pneumonia (if recommended by your doctor).
• Inform your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications, and any herbs and supplements, you take or are considering taking.

Treatment

Cirrhosis is an irreversible condition. Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of liver damage and reducing the risk of further complications. Your doctor will treat any underlying medical conditions that are the cause of your cirrhosis. If liver damage progresses to liver failure, patients may be candidates for liver transplantation. Liver donations can come from a cadaver or from a living donor. Patients with cirrhosis who have a liver transplant have very good chances for survival.