Cirrhosis醫學意思
Cirrhosis is a medical condition in which the liver becomes scarred and damaged due to various causes, leading to a loss of its normal structure and function. It is a chronic disease that develops slowly over time as the healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. This scarring interferes with the liver's ability to perform its vital functions, which include filtering toxins from the blood, producing bile to aid in digestion, and storing nutrients.
The primary causes of cirrhosis include:
- Hepatitis B and C infections: These viral infections can lead to chronic liver disease and eventually cirrhosis.
- Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver damage that may progress to cirrhosis.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): This includes a range of conditions caused by a buildup of fat in the liver that is not due to alcohol use.
- Autoimmune hepatitis: This is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation and damage.
- Genetic diseases: Certain genetic disorders, such as Wilson's disease and hemochromatosis, can lead to cirrhosis.
Symptoms of cirrhosis may include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itching, spider angiomas (small blood vessels that look like spiders on the skin), and fluid retention in the legs and abdomen.
Cirrhosis is typically diagnosed through blood tests, imaging tests, and a biopsy. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, liver transplantation.