Status: 14.01.2024, 15:00 PM
By: Juliane Gutmann
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A diseased liver can be fatal. Cirrhosis of the liver often arises from an existing fatty liver. What risk factors you should be aware of.
The liver is an important detoxification organ. It is responsible for breaking down harmful substances such as alcohol, breakdown products of medication and toxins in the body. If the liver is diseased, it can no longer perform this important task sufficiently well. The most common liver disease is fatty liver. In those affected, the liver cells become increasingly fatty. If left untreated, cirrhosis of the liver, also known as shrunken liver, can develop – a serious disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. This not only has a negative effect on detoxification processes, as the German Liver Aid informs. Digestion and blood clotting could also be impaired by cirrhosis of the liver. Life-threatening consequences such as organ failure and liver cancer are imminent.
A number of factors increase the risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver, including, according to the German Liver Aid:
- An existing fatty liver
- Alcohol use and substance abuse
- Hepatitis
- Obesity
- Metabolic and autoimmune diseases
As with many other diseases, the following also applies to shrunken liver: If detected early, serious consequences can be averted. For this reason, preventive examinations are strongly recommended, especially for risk groups.
Interesting facts about liver cirrhosis: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
- Typical symptoms of a shrunken liver are, according to the German Liver Aid and the Pharmacies Umschau, fatigue, weight loss, pain in the upper abdomen, skin changes such as yellowing of the skin, susceptibility to infections, confusion, dark urine and, in women, the absence of menstrual bleeding.
- The disease is often detected late, as the symptoms often do not appear until late in the disease.
- Timely diagnosis allows for effective treatment and delay of the course of the disease, with individual therapy plans tailored to the patient. According to the internists on the Internet, important indications of liver cirrhosis are provided by blood and ultrasound examinations as well as a liver biopsy.
If you eat a diet that is too one-sided and unhealthy, it can promote cirrhosis of the liver. © Isai Hernandez/Imago
- Life expectancy is highly dependent on the severity of liver cirrhosis, which is why early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
- A liver transplant is often the only cure option in advanced stages.
- To prevent cirrhosis of the liver, you should avoid excessive alcohol consumption and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Above all, it is important to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and maintain a normal weight.
- Hepatitis vaccinations are also important preventive measures.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Individual questions about clinical pictures may not be answered by our editorial team.
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