Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver is scarred and permanently damaged, and scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, preventing the liver from working normally. The most common causes of cirrhosis are:
-
Alcohol use disorder: Long-term, chronic use of alcohol can cause cirrhosis of the liver.
-
Chronic viral infections of the liver: Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are viral infections that can cause cirrhosis.
-
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: This condition is associated with obesity and diabetes, but not alcohol.
Other causes of cirrhosis include:
-
Inherited diseases: Certain inherited diseases, such as alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, hemochromatosis, and Wilsons disease, can cause cirrhosis.
-
Autoimmune diseases: Certain types of cells of the immune system attack and damage the liver, leading to cirrhosis. These uncommon conditions that can cause liver cirrhosis include autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis.
-
Blocked or damaged bile ducts: Bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the intestine, and if they are blocked or damaged, it can lead to cirrhosis.
-
Use of certain medicines: Certain medicines can cause liver damage and lead to cirrhosis.
-
Exposure to certain toxic chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals can cause liver damage and lead to cirrhosis.
-
Repeated episodes of heart failure with blood buildup in the liver: This can lead to cirrhosis.
It is important to note that anything that damages the liver can lead to cirrhosis over time. If caught early enough and depending on the cause, there is a chance of slowing the progression of cirrhosis with treatment.
