Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, leading to impaired liver function. It is often caused by chronic alcohol abuse, hepatitis, and other conditions that harm the liver over time.
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Cirrhosis can lead to complications such as portal hypertension, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy.
Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, weakness, and swelling in the legs and abdomen.
Nutritional interventions are crucial for managing cirrhosis; patients often require a high-protein diet to prevent muscle wasting.
Liver function tests (LFTs) like ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels are essential for diagnosing and monitoring cirrhosis.
Lifestyle changes, including abstaining from alcohol and managing underlying conditions like hepatitis, are critical for preventing the progression of cirrhosis.
Review Questions
What are common symptoms of cirrhosis?
How do nutritional interventions help manage cirrhosis?
Which diagnostic tests are commonly used to monitor liver function in cirrhosis patients?
Related terms
Hepatic Encephalopathy: A decline in brain function due to severe liver disease that causes toxins to build up in the bloodstream.
Portal Hypertension: Increased blood pressure within the portal venous system often associated with cirrhosis.