One of the most severe conditions that can impact the liver is one that causes scarring around that organ. This condition is known as cirrhosis of the liver. If this condition is not treated properly the effects of it could end up being fatal.
What happens in this condition is that the liver will become infected by bacteria that can attach itself to the organ. When this happens various areas of the liver will become damaged due to the buildup of scar tissue in the liver. When this scar tissue adds up over time the ability of the liver to function properly will be reduced.
The scarring in the liver can occur due to various different factors. Hepatitis B and C can cause this condition. Improperly working immune systems that can harm one’s liver can also cause it. Also, if bile ducts that work with the liver are blocked or are suffering from inflammation cirrhosis can easily occur.
An unhealthy diet can cause the condition too. The buildup of fat in the liver can impair the ability of the liver to work and can cause it to become inflamed. Also, heavy alcohol use that lasts for a long period of time can cause cirrhosis of the liver.
When cirrhosis of the liver progresses various processes that the liver will be responsible for will not be able to work properly. For example, the liver will not be able to work to handle toxins in one’s blood or get foods broken down properly. Wastes in the body will not be regulated as well either. As a result wastes can easily build up in one’s body and harm the person’s general health. The blood will also begin to lose its protein levels.
If the condition is not treated over time the liver will end up not working altogether. As a result surrounding organs like the kidneys will stop working. This can result in fatal consequences.
The greatest concern about these effects is that there are no real symptoms of cirrhosis that one can easily find. This is especially important because of how even when the condition starts to manifest itself there will be no effects felt by the person with the condition. However as it progresses the symptoms that go with it will become worse. Among these symptoms include fatigue, jaundice where the skin becomes yellow in various places, sudden weight and muscle loss and discomfort in the abdomen.
It will be important to detect the condition early before its effects can get worse. A traditional blood test can be used to determine if the proteins levels in it are working properly or if they are not. A test like an ultrasound or an MRI can also be used to help with finding any scarring on the liver.
Depending on the effects of the condition a part of one’s liver may need to be removed. For more severe cases a full liver transplant may be required. After a procedure is handled a person will be asked to avoid alcohol and to avoid NSAID drugs because of how these drugs can cause bleeding to occur in the liver area.
