Liver Cirrhosis

Some Young people love to have so much fun socialising and partying. when this happens drinking is usually involved. this article is dedicated to the champagne popping, shots drinking, liquor bingers amongst us :-)

Cirrhosis of the liver is a serious and usually fatal disease that destroys one of the most important organs of the body, the Liver. this condition is often caused by excessive alcohol intake especially if the patient has been an alcoholic for a long time. The liver filters alcohol from blood and excessive consumption of alcohol damages the organ causing it to lose its function. When this damage happens, it can not be reversed because the liver cells are unable to regenerate.

Cirrhosis may also develop from hepatitis; hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder which results from excessive iron which builds up in the heart and other vital organs; and Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder resulting from excessive storage of copper.

Liver cirrhosis is often asymptomatic; the symptoms may be noticed only when the condition is advanced. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, itching, loss of weight and appetite, fatigue, sleeplessness, jaundice, blood vessels having a spidery appearance, loss of interest in sex, and swollen legs and feet.



Its advised to see a Doctor if cirrhosis is suspected. The diagnostic process consists of observation, blood tests, and biopsy, in which a tiny piece of liver tissue is taken for microscopic examination. Biopsy is the most reliable way to diagnose the disease.

A healthy liver is very resilient. To keep it healthy, one should cut down on alcohol consumption, which is one of the most frequent causes of cirrhosis. If cirrhosis is diagnosed while still in its initial stages, the liver can still perform its functions though not as efficiently as before. As the disease progresses, the symptoms would include water retention and bloating. The patient would then be put on a salt-free diet and given diuretics. Once the disease is in the advanced stage, only a liver transplant can help the patient. Liver transplants are risky and are therefore performed only on those who are young and strong enough to undergo surgery.

You cannot survive without your liver, so make sure you avoid causing damage to it. Minimize or abstain from consumption of alcohol while your liver still has the capacity to heal itself and perform its vital functions in your body.

Its always nice to chill out and unwind especially in the weekends..just try not to over do it :-)