- 1. Viral hepatitis B and C
- 2. Abuse of alcoholic beverages
- 3. Disorders of metabolism
- 4. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- 5. Use of medicines
- 6. Autoimmune liver diseases
- 7. Chronic cholestasis
- 8. Obstruction of hepatic blood flow
- Other causes of liver cirrhosis
- How the treatment is done
Liver cirrhosis is a disease characterized by chronic and progressive inflammation of the liver, resulting in the formation of fibrosis, which is the hardening of the tissue, impairing the development of the functions of this organ. This disease does not always cause symptoms, but it can lead to weight loss for no apparent reason, weakness, excessive tiredness, abdominal swelling, yellow skin and eyes.
The causes of liver cirrhosis can be diverse, the most common of which are alcohol abuse, chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune problems and even the use of medications. It is necessary to consult a hepatologist for tests in order to verify exactly what led to the appearance of this disease. See more about exams to identify liver cirrhosis.
Thus, the main causes of the appearance of liver cirrhosis can be:
1. Viral hepatitis B and C
Hepatitis B and C are diseases caused mainly by viruses and are transmitted through sexual contact or through the sharing of contaminated objects, such as needles, syringes, manicure pliers, devices for piercing and tattooing. The symptoms of these types of hepatitis are similar and can be yellowish in the eyes, abdominal pain and swelling, vomiting and weight loss without an apparent cause.
These types of infectious diseases affect liver cells and, if left untreated, can cause chronic inflammation of the liver and can thus lead to liver cirrhosis. The prevention of hepatitis is possible through the application of vaccines, available at health centers, the use of disposable injection products and the use of condoms. Learn more about how to prevent hepatitis.
2. Abuse of alcoholic beverages
The excessive use of alcoholic beverages can cause immediate consequences on the body, such as difficulty maintaining balance, loss of coordination in speaking and even lack of memory. However, if the consumption is made many days a week and in an amount above 60 g of alcohol per day (men) and 20 g of alcohol per day (women) for a period greater than 10 years, it can cause liver cirrhosis.
Most of the time, the symptoms of liver cirrhosis caused by the excessive use of alcoholic beverages can take time to appear, and often, they are only noticed in the late stage of the disease when the hepatic circulation is compromised and the liver artery pressure increases, leading to the appearance of bleeding and esophageal varices, for example. See more how the treatment for varicose veins in the esophagus is done.
3. Disorders of metabolism
Some disorders of the body's metabolism can lead to the appearance of liver cirrhosis, for example, Wilson's disease. This disease is rare, genetic and has no cure and is characterized by the body's inability to metabolize copper, with accumulation in several organs, mainly brain and liver, which can cause serious damage to these organs. Learn more about the symptoms of Wilson's disease.
Another metabolic disease that can cause liver cirrhosis is hemochromatosis, which is a genetic disease similar to Wilson's disease, however, in this case there is an accumulation of iron in the liver and other organs, impairing the functions of these organs. Some symptoms of hemochromatosis can be weakness, joint pain, diabetes and hypothyroidism.
4. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, also called fatty liver disease, is a condition that occurs when there is an accumulation of fat in the liver due to high cholesterol and diabetes. This disease does not usually cause symptoms and, most of the time, it is discovered by chance, however some people may experience nausea, upper right pain and malaise.
This disease can result in liver cirrhosis due to the chronic inflammation that the accumulation of fat causes, so it is very common in people with obesity. See more what causes fat accumulation in the liver.
5. Use of medicines
Some medications, if used in excess and regularly, can cause liver inflammation, because when they are in large quantities in the body, the liver cannot rapidly metabolize these substances. Some examples of remedies that can lead to liver cirrhosis are isoniazid, nitrofurantoin, amiodarone, methotrexate, chlorpromazine and sodium diclofenac.
Thus, it is important to follow medical guidelines and avoid the habit of self-medication, as in addition to liver cirrhosis, other health problems may arise because of the abusive use of anti-inflammatories, such as gastritis and bleeding.
6. Autoimmune liver diseases
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammation caused by a reaction by the body's defense cells, which start to attack the liver, affecting the functioning of this organ. This type of hepatitis appears more commonly in women, before the age of 30, and the cause is not yet well defined, but it is probably related to genetic alterations.
This hepatitis is different from those caused by viruses, so it is not a contagious disease, that is, autoimmune hepatitis cannot be transmitted from one person to another. Learn more about how to identify and treat autoimmune hepatitis.
7. Chronic cholestasis
Chronic cholestasis is a condition in which bile cannot be carried from the liver to a part of the intestine, which may be due to obstruction of the bile ducts due to the presence of tumors, gallbladder stones or because of deficient bile production. Chronic cholestasis can lead to liver cirrhosis and is more common in people who have ulcerative colitis, which is an inflammatory bowel disease.
8. Obstruction of hepatic blood flow
Some diseases can reduce and even obstruct the passage of blood to the liver, as in Budd-Chiari syndrome. This syndrome is a rare disease in which the formation of large blood clots occurs that cause obstruction of the veins that drain the liver, with poor irrigation of the organ. Understand what Budd-Chiari syndrome is.
Other causes of liver cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis can also be caused by deficiency of a substance produced in the liver, called alpha-1-antitrypsin, as well as it can result from diseases such as cystic fibrosis, biliary atresia and porphyria and, although it is a serious disease, it is possible to stop its evolution through a treatment indicated by a hepatologist. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy habits and seek medical advice when any symptoms related to the liver are perceived, such as weakness, lack of appetite and weight loss. See more what are the symptoms of liver cirrhosis.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for liver cirrhosis can be done by taking medications according to medical advice and changes in lifestyle. It is necessary that the person has an adequate diet and follow all medical guidelines, but in some cases, only the liver transplant will be able to solve the problem. During treatment for cirrhosis, an ultrasound should be performed every 6 months to check the person's evolution and response to treatment.
People with cirrhosis who are not carriers of hepatitis A and B can and should be advised to take the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine to prevent these diseases, as they can aggravate liver impairment, increasing the risk of death. Learn more about cirrhosis treatment.
