Cirrhosis and Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease is the main cause of cirrhosis, which occurs when the liver becomes scarred due to long-term alcohol abuse.

Early symptoms of cirrhosis include tiredness, weakness, and loss of appetite, signaling that the liver is not functioning properly.

Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) is a serious complication of cirrhosis. This fluid accumulation can become infected, leading to spontaneous infections.

Cirrhosis is characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the liver, which disrupts its normal function and can lead to various health problems.

Alcoholic liver disease can result from not only heavy drinking but also prolonged heroin abuse as it overworks the liver.

Heavy smoking is NOT a direct cause of cirrhosis, while excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis infections, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are major contributing factors.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, where fat accumulates in the liver, causing inflammation and potential scarring.

Esophageal varices are dilated veins in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines that can bleed due to increased pressure caused by portal hypertension, a common complication of cirrhosis.

Itchiness and swelling in the lower legs are often associated with more serious complications of cirrhosis, such as hepatic encephalopathy and liver cancer, indicating a need for medical attention.

Ascites is a complication of cirrhosis where fluid builds up in the abdomen. This buildup can become infected, leading to spontaneous infections.

Alcoholic liver disease is the main cause of cirrhosis, a condition marked by scarring in the liver due to prolonged alcohol abuse.

The formation of scar tissue in the liver is a hallmark of cirrhosis, which hinders the liver's ability to function properly.

Besides heavy drinking, prolonged heroin abuse can also lead to alcoholic liver disease, as it places excessive strain on the liver.

Fluid buildup in the abdomen, known as ascites, is a dangerous complication of cirrhosis that can lead to spontaneous infections.

Esophageal varices, which are dilated veins in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, can bleed due to increased pressure caused by portal hypertension, a common complication of cirrhosis.

Liver cancer is a serious complication of cirrhosis, as the damaged liver is more susceptible to tumor development.