Conditions InDepth: Cirrhosis

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

En Español (Spanish Version)

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver that causes permanent damage. The scar tissue causes problems with blood flow and prevents the liver from working as it should.

Cirrhosis of the Liver
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

The liver has many roles in the body. It helps make blood clotting factors and bile. It process cholesterol and maintain normal blood sugar levels. It also helps remove toxins like alcohol and drugs from the body. A liver that does not function as it should can disrupt normal functions in the body.

Many conditions can lead to cirrhosis, such as viral hepatitis, inherited diseases, obstruction of the bile ducts, severe drug reactions, and long term exposure to toxins. The most common cause of cirrhosis is chronic alcohol abuse.

• What are the risk factors for cirrhosis? • What are the symptoms of cirrhosis? • How is cirrhosis diagnosed? • What are the treatments for cirrhosis? • Are there screening tests for cirrhosis? • How can I reduce my risk of cirrhosis? • What questions should I ask my doctor? • Where can I get more information about cirrhosis?

REFERENCES:

Cirrhosis. American Liver Foundation website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 6, 2021.

Cirrhosis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/cirrhosis. Accessed January 6, 2021.

Cirrhosis of the liver. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cirrhosis-of-the-liver-31. Accessed January 6, 2021.

Ge PS, Runyon BA. Treatment of Patients with Cirrhosis. N Engl J Med. 2016 Aug 25;375(8):767-777.

• Next

Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated: 1/8/2021

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.