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| Chronic Liver Disease /Cirrhosis |
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What is chronic liver disease? Chronic liver disease is marked by the gradual destruction of liver tissue over time. Several liver diseases fall under this category, including the following: * cirrhosis of the liver * fibrosis of the liver What causes cirrhosis? The most common cause of cirrhosis is alcohol abuse. Other causes include the following: * hepatitis and other viruses * use of certain drugs * chemical exposure * bile duct obstruction * autoimmune diseases * obstruction of outflow of blood from the liver (i.e., Budd-Chiari syndrome) * heart and blood vessel disturbances * alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency * high blood galactose levels * high blood tyrosine levels at birth * glycogen storage disease * cystic fibrosis * diabetes * malnutrition * hereditary accumulation of too much copper (Wilson's Disease) or iron (hemochromatosis) Treatment for cirrhosis: Specific treatment for cirrhosis will be determined by your physician based on: * your age, overall health, and medical history * extent of the disease * our tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapiesy * expectations for the course of the disease * your opinion or preference |
