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Cirrhosis
| Definition | Incidence | Risk Factors/Cause | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scar tissue replaces normal, healthy liver tissue blocking the flow of blood through the organ and preventing it from functioning properly. | 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. | Protracted insult to the liver from alcohol, chronic hepatitis, inherited diseases, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, blocked bile ducts, drugs, toxins, infections and parasites | |||
| Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment/Prevention | |||
| Asymptomatic in early stages Exhaustion/Fatigue Loss of appetite Nausea Weakness Weight loss Edema and ascites Bruising and bleeding Jaundice Itching | Medical history Physical exam Blood tests CT Scan Ultrasound Laparoscopy Liver biopsy | Based on cause and complications and may include: Alcohol abstinence Medical therapy such as interferon, corticosteroids, diuretics, antibiotics, beta-blockers, or laxatives Healthy diet low in sodium and protein Liver transplantation in severe cases | |||
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