The liver is the largest internal organ in our bodies, and diseases like liver cirrhosis are dangerous as it performs a disproportionately large number of critical functions. Its primary function is metabolism, which converts food into substances that our bodies can use. It is also a detoxification organ, which renders toxic byproducts harmless and excretes them in the urine or bile.
The liver is vulnerable to aging processes, excessive alcohol consumption, and hepatitis virus infections, which can lead to scarring and inoperable liver tissue. This is known as liver cirrhosis, and more information about symptoms, causes, treatment, and risk factors can be found here.
The liver and its functions
The liver is the largest and heaviest internal organ in the human body, able to regenerate itself. It is wedge-shaped and located in the right upper abdomen, just below the diaphragm. In certain liver diseases, it can be felt without breathing exercises. The liver takes on essential tasks in metabolic processes and serves as an energy store, allowing us to bridge more than 24 hours without food.
- The metabolism of food components into fats, sugar and proteins in usable form
- The formation of hormones (transmitters) and cell components, for example from cholesterol
- The storage of vitamins, proteins, dietary fats and carbohydrates
- The detoxification of foreign substances and toxins in food, medicines or alcohol
- The formation of important blood proteins and blood clotting components
- The production of bile acid to digest fats
Liver cirrhosis: definition
Cirrhosis of the liver is a serious disease that can be fatal in the worst case. It begins with the accumulation of toxic substances that damage tissues, leading to acute liver inflammation and chronic liver inflammation. This leads to decompensated liver cirrhosis, where scarring is already advanced and the risk of liver cancer is greatly increased. The most common causes of death are liver cancer, bleeding from the stomach and esophagus, and liver failure. An estimated one million people in Germany suffer from cirrhosis of the liver, with the frequency of this organ change being greater in obese people than in people of normal weight. Men are affected twice as often as women.
Liver cirrhosis : causes
There are several risk factors that can lead to liver disease. The most common liver cirrhosis causes in Germany are the following:
- Chronic viral hepatitis accounts for about 25 to 30 percent of cirrhosis cases. It is caused by hepatitis A to E viruses.
- Alcohol abuse is the most common trigger, accounting for 50 to 60 percent of cirrhosis cases.
- In addition to these two main causes , diabetes mellitus , fatty liver , various metabolic diseases , medications such as methotrexate, or toxins such as carbon tetrachloride and arsenic can also lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
Cirrhosis of the Liver: Symptoms
Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver is not properly supplied with blood, leading to increased blood pressure in the portal vein. The symptoms of cirrhosis include decreased toxin production, reduced coagulation, and increased blood pressure.
- Severe itching , a typical liver cirrhosis weight loss or jaundice
- Those affected often feel defeated, tired and less productive
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the area above the navel is heard
- Liver skin signs: Total white discoloration of the nails , noticeably reddened lips and clearly red colored pads of the little finger and thumb
- In the advanced stage, hepatic encephalopathy, increased blood pressure , impaired blood clotting , yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, erectile dysfunction and edema in the legs and fever occur
It should be noted, however, that cirrhosis of the liver can often only cause symptoms after many years or even decades. Therefore, if you have symptoms from the list above, consult a doctor as early as possible, as irreversible damage can be pre
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