Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the final phase of chronic liver disease . Causes, incidence, and risk factors Cirrhosis is the end result of chronic liver damage caused by chronic liver diseases. Common causes of chronic liver disease in the United States include: *. Hepatitis C infection (long-term infection) *. Long-term alcohol abuse (see alcoholic liver disease ) Other causes of cirrhosis include: *. Autoimmune inflammation of the liver *. Disorders of the drainage system of the liver (the biliary system), such as primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis *. Hepatitis B (long-term infection) *. Medications *. Metabolic disorders of iron and copper ( hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease ) *. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) Symptoms Symptoms may develop gradually, or there may be nosymptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include: *. Confusion or problems thinking *. Impotence , loss of interest in sex, and breast development ( gynecomastia ) in men *. Loss of appetite *. Nausea and vomiting *. Nosebleeds or bleeding gums *. Pale or clay-colored stools *. Small, red spider-like blood vessels on the skin *. Swelling or fluid buildup of the legs ( edema ) and in the abdomen ( ascites ) *. Vomiting blood or blood in stools *. Weakness *. Weight loss *. Yellow color in the skin, mucus membranes, or eyes (jaundice) Arrgh reading lately!! 'smiling'