Cirrhosis of the liver

Cirrhosis of the liver

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease characterized by diffuse damage to the liver with the formation of connective tissue in it and disruption of the normal structure of the organ.

In cirrhosis, normal liver tissue is replaced by connective tissue, which leads to impaired blood flow in the liver and the development of liver failure. The main causes of cirrhosis are chronic viral hepatitis (B and C), alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

The main symptoms of liver cirrhosis include: weakness, loss of appetite and weight, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, swelling, increased bleeding, abdominal enlargement due to ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity).

Diagnosis of cirrhosis includes laboratory tests of liver function, ultrasound, CT or MRI of the abdomen. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the causes of the disease, preventing progression and complications. If liver failure develops, a liver transplant may be required.

The prognosis for cirrhosis largely depends on the stage of the disease. Timely treatment and giving up bad habits can slow the progression of cirrhosis and improve the quality of life of patients.



Cirrhosis of the liver

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic progressive liver disease characterized by the proliferation of connective tissue, disruption of the structure of the organ and a decrease in its functions.

The main causes of liver cirrhosis:

  1. Chronic viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C. If left untreated, they can lead to cirrhosis.

  2. Alcohol abuse. Alcohol has a toxic effect on the liver, which leads to the development of alcoholic cirrhosis.

  3. Disturbances in the outflow of bile due to cholelithiasis, inflammation of the biliary tract. This leads to biliary cirrhosis of the liver.

  4. Metabolic diseases (hemochromatosis, Wilson-Konovalov disease).

The main symptoms of liver cirrhosis:

  1. Jaundice

  2. Ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity)

  3. Bleeding from varicose veins of the esophagus and stomach

  4. Hepatic encephalopathy (impaired brain function)

  5. Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)

Diagnosis is based on analysis of clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and instrumental methods (ultrasound, FGDS). A liver biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of liver cirrhosis is aimed at slowing the progression of the disease, preventing complications and restoring liver function. They use diet, drug therapy, and if ineffective, surgical treatment. It is important to timely identify and treat the underlying disease that led to cirrhosis. Complete abstinence from alcohol is mandatory for alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.

Thus, liver cirrhosis is a serious disease that requires a serious approach to diagnosis and treatment. Timely therapy and prevention of the underlying disease can prevent the development of cirrhosis and preserve liver function.



Liver cirrhosis is a serious disease that can lead to irreversible health consequences. In this article we will look at the main causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Liver cirrhosis is an inflammatory lesion of the liver tissue, against the background of which it is destroyed, as well as the replacement of healthy tissue with fibrous tissue. As a result of these processes, liver function is impaired, which leads to the development of various complications such as bleeding, liver failure and liver cancer.