In cirrhosis of the liver, the liver tissue begins to break down or deteriorate. Scar tissue then replaces previously healthy tissue. The scar tissue doesn’t allow blood flow through to the still healthy parts of the liver.

The damaged parts of the liver may regenerate in the early stages of the disease.However as the damage increases, the liver’s ability to fix itself drops until it can’t do so any longer.

Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic (long-standing) liver disease. In North America, the most common causes of cirrhosis of the liver are alcohol abuse and hepatitis C infection. A few of many other causes include:

• Hepatitis B and hepatitis D
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Infections
• Certain inherited diseases

As with many other illnesses, cirrhosis of the liver doesn’t often show early symptoms, so you could have it in the early stages and not know. Once symptoms do begin, they include:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, vomiting
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating in the abdomen
• Itching
• Spider-like blood vessels on the skin

There is no cure for cirrhosis of the liver but it can be managed if the damage to the liver tissue isn’t too severe. Lifestyle changes may prevent further progression of the disease and medications may treat symptoms or complications caused by the cirrhosis.

• Avoid alcohol and “recreational” drugs, they are metabolized in the liver
• Eat a nutritious diet, perhaps with supplements
• Limit salt intake
• Avoid medications metabolized (broken down) in the liver

Some types of cirrhosis of the liver can’t be prevented. But the type that caused by long-term alcohol abuse or drug abuse can.

To avoid developing hepatitis, ensure you have up-to-date vaccinations for hepatitis A and B. Healthcare workers must receive hepatitis vaccinations because of their frequent exposure to possibly contaminated body fluids.

Hepatitis C does not have a vaccine, but can be prevented by:

• Practicing safe sex: use condoms each and every time you have sexual relations
• Not sharing needles. Don’t share personal items, such as toothbrushes, particularly if the other person has hepatitis.
• Using gloves (and dispose of them properly) if handling blood