Liver and Liver Cirrhosis

Liver has a very critical role to play in our body. It is responsible for metabolism of fat and glucose in the body, which are the source of energy for the body. Various drugs that are prescribed are metabolized in livers.

Many the times, unless the drug is converted into its metabolite it is of no use to the body. Furthermore, malfunctioning of liver can actually cause accumulation of these drugs which may prove to be fatal for the entire organ system.

Last but not the least, availability of blood clotting factors is due to optimal functioning of the liver. Liver cirrhosis effects all these crucial functioning’s by the liver and thus disrupts the life.In liver cirrhosis, the cells in the liver get killed. The dying cells cause inflammation as a response to get repair and this causes scarring of the tissue. Then the left over cells start to multiply in order to survive which completely worsens the condition of the liver.

In cirrhosis, the relation between the blood and liver is completely turned upside down. Now, we know that the hepatic portal system is responsible for further filtering of the blood post digestion. Liver is responsible for secretion of bile. This bile is a fundamental digestive juice. This function is also disrupted. Symptoms and signs of cirrhosis include occurrence of jaundice due to accumulation of bile secretions in blood. Therefore, the skin of the person becomes yellow. Excess fatigue and weakness is experienced. The skin becomes bruised easily accompanied by itching.

Major complications of liver cirrhosis include bleeding from the esophageal varices, Edema, Ascites, Hepatorenal syndrome and Hepatopulmonary syndrome.The kidney and the lungs are also affected severely.

Uncured liver cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer as well. The state is called hepatocellular carcinoma due to irregular multiplication of liver cells.Therefore, it is very important that diagnosis be made once any doubt occurs.