What is Cirrhosis?

The liver has wide ranging functions and is vital for survival. It aids you by removing toxins from your blood. It cleans the blood, processes the good stuff and helps to get rid of the bad.
The liver is the largest organ in the body and the only human organ that is capable of regeneration.
Most heavy drinkers will damage to their livers. Not everyone will end up with cirrhosis. Women are at higher risk.
Alcoholic cirrhosis is the last phase of chronic liver disease, the severe scarring of the liver. Once the damage has reached this level, it becomes increasingly difficult for it to function properly.
All other alcohol related liver conditions can be reversed because of the self-healing nature of the organ, cirrhosis is permanent.

Alcohol and Cirrhosis Symptoms

• Buildup of fluid in the abdomen and legs
• Tiredness
• Jaundice
• Itching
• Bruising
• Nose bleeding
• Digestive tract bleeding
• Red lines and spots on the skin
• Confusion
• Muscle wasting
• Loss of weight
• Discomfort or pain in the belly
• Frequent infections

Treatment of Cirrhosis

As with every other alcohol related condition, the first thing to do is stop drinking. Your chances of prolonging your life are increased if you quit immediately. Unfortunately, some cases cannot be cured. But it can be put into remission by taking medication.

Outlook

If the condition is not treated, and the person continues to drink, the symptoms will get worse and worse.

Sources

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/cirrhosis-leaflet
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cirrhosis.html

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Until next time…
Onwards and Upwards!
Kev

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