29 January 2012

Cirrhosis of the Liver Can Be Debilitating and Lead to Complications

Cirrhosis is a complication of many liver diseases. It is characterized by the abnormal structure of the liver and liver functions are affected badly. Liver cells are destroyed and inflammation caused by this and the liver cells die from causes scar tissue to form. Cells in place of ultimate fighting and multiply to replace dead cells. This results in liver cells in the newly formed scar tissue.



Contrary to popular belief, cirrhosis is not caused by excessive consumption of alcohol alone, but it is one of the main culprits. There are many other causes such as grease, some drugs, viruses, toxic metals such as iron and copper that may accumulate in the liver due to genetic diseases, and liver disease where the autoimmune body's immune system attacks itself liver. The liver is an organ that works quietly and efficiently. It is a very important organ that performs many critical functions in the body. He is involved in the production of a substance that acts as a coagulant for the blood. The coagulation proteins it produces to help blood clotting.



Another vital function it performs is the removal of toxic substances that are harmful to the human body. It helps to eliminate toxins that are present in the drugs that we normally take to heal every disease. Without the proper functioning of the liver toxin could effectively remain in the body and pose a grave danger. Another important role the liver plays is that it regulates the supply of glucose and lipids in the blood. These substances are used by the body as fuel, however, if the offer is not controlled, complications can be severe. The liver and blood have an intimate relationship that toxins from the liver can not be transported out of the system by the blood. Most of the blood supply to the liver comes from intestinal veins. The main vein is called the portal vein. As the portal vein passes through the liver, it breaks down into a number of small veins that are in close contact with the liver cells, which are actually aligned along the veins. This proximity allows the exchange of substances between cells and blood in the veins. After the exchange takes place, blood is diverted through small veins that join to form a single vein is known as the hepatic vein that returns blood to the heart. When the liver is afflicted with cirrhosis, this unique relationship between the liver cells and the blood is destroyed.



Although the new cells are formed and assume the role of those who died, the ability to eliminate toxins gets severely restricted. In addition, the scar tissue in the liver obstructs blood flow in the liver and creates chaos. Because of this obstruction, the pressure increases in the portal vein and causes of portal hypertension. Because of this increased pressure and hypertension of the portal vein later sought other ways to take the blood to the heart. When new roads are created, these veins tend to bypass the liver and the exchange of substances is greatly affected. This is the major cause of liver cirrhosis. The second reason for complications caused by cirrhosis is the troubled relationship between cells in the liver and the channels through which bile flows. Bile aids in digestion and helps to eliminate toxic substances from the body. There is funneled through small ducts which unite to form larger ducts that achieve the bile into the small intestine to aid digestion. Although there is no specific symptoms of cirrhosis, some of them are yellowing of the skin or jaundice caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, a general feeling of weakness, fatigue and loss of appetite. Since alcohol has found a common cause, moderation in consumption would certainly help. Abstinence leads to an improvement in liver function.