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Cirrhosis refers to scarring of the liver. The liver is a vital organ located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, whose function is to detoxify metabolites, synthesize proteins, hormones, bile, and biochemicals needed for digestion, growth, and metabolism. When the liver suffers an injury due to any cause, it tries to heal itself, resulting in fibrosis and scarring. Recurrent injuries ultimately result in massive liver scarring, replacing the normal functional tissue with the non-functional scarred tissue. The liver loses its ability to execute its functions, resulting in loss of appetite, tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss. With the progression of the disease, symptoms may include jaundice, itchiness, easy bruising, swelling in the lower legs, and building of fluid in the abdomen.
Alcoholic liver disease, chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B, chronic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson's disease, chronic heart failure are among the most typical causes of liver cirrhosis. Treatment of liver cirrhosis depends upon the cause and the extent of the damage. The scarring is irreversible; however, early detection, prevention, and treatment can limit the progression of the disease.