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Depending on the cause, cirrhosis can develop over months or years. There is no cure. Treatment aims to halt liver damage, manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, such as diabetes, osteoporosis (brittle bones), liver cancer and liver failure. Symptoms of liver cirrhosisSymptoms depend on the severity of the cirrhosis, but may include:
Causes of liver cirrhosisTwo of the most well-known causes of liver cirrhosis are long-term excessive alcohol consumption and hepatitis C virus infection. However, there are a number of other conditions that can also lead to liver damage and cirrhosis. In fact, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (‘fatty liver’) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in Australia. A small proportion of patients with fatty liver can also develop cirrhosis. Hepatitis B virus infection is an important cause of cirrhosis worldwide. Alcoholic liver cirrhosisExcessive and chronic alcohol consumption is the most common cause of liver cirrhosis. Cirrhosis from drinking alcohol can develop over many years. It is important to remember that the amount of alcohol that will damage the liver can vary from person to person. If a healthy woman drinks the same amount of alcohol as a healthy man, she has a higher risk of cirrhosis. Children are particularly susceptible to damage from alcohol. Some people also have a genetic predisposition to alcohol-related liver injury. People with a medical condition, especially those affecting the liver, may have a higher risk of damage from alcohol. If you already have hepatitis B or C, or cirrhosis of the liver (from any cause), you are at risk of making your condition worse if you drink alcohol. Liver cirrhosis and hepatitisHepatitis is a general term meaning inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis is hepatitis caused by a virus like the hepatitis B or C virus. Chronic hepatitis C is a common cause of liver cirrhosis. Hepatitis B can also cause cirrhosis. With either of these conditions, you increase your risk of developing cirrhosis if you drink alcohol. Liver cirrhosis and fatty liverNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver. It now affects about 20 per cent of Australians. It is becoming more common in children who are overweight or obese. NAFLD is associated with conditions such as:
NAFLD can lead to inflammation of the liver and the formation of scar tissue, a condition called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can then lead to cirrhosis of the liver. NASH usually occurs in people who are obese, have diabetes or have high blood cholesterol and triglycerides, so controlling these conditions is recommended. People with NASH have a higher risk of liver damage if they have hepatitis C. The effect of alcohol is debated, but it is probably not recommended if there is significant liver scarring present. Liver cirrhosis from inherited conditionsSome inherited conditions damage the liver and this leads to the scarring that can contribute to cirrhosis. These conditions include:
Other causes of liver cirrhosisA number of other medical conditions that result in liver damage can cause cirrhosis, including:
Complications of liver cirrhosisWithout medical treatment, cirrhosis of the liver can lead to a range of potentially life-threatening complications including:
Diagnosis of liver cirrhosisTests used to diagnose liver cirrhosis may include:
Treatment of liver cirrhosisCirrhosis of the liver is incurable but, in some cases, treatment can help to reduce the likelihood that the condition will become worse. Treatment options include:
Where to get help
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
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