The liver is an important organ in the body that helps clean alcohol and toxins from the blood, helps with digestion and energy production. However, the liver can be permanently damaged in a disease called cirrhosis.
This condition is caused by damage to the liver and the formation of scar tissue. Causes of cirrhosis are excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis C, B and D, autoimmune hepatitis, and inherited diseases like glycogen storage disease and galactosemia. Symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal swelling, pain, tenderness, nausea, weight loss and weakness.
Treatment options include focusing on treatment of underlying conditions, and relieving symptoms and complications, avoiding alcohol, limiting salt intake and having a healthy diet, and getting vaccinations for influenza, hepatitis A and B, and pneumococcal pneumonia.
Prevent this condition by practicing safe sex to avoid hepatitis B or C and not sharing razors and toothbrushes. There is no cure for this condition.