Cirrhosa

Cirrhosa is a term that appears to be a misspelling or a less common variation of "cirrhosis," a serious medical condition. Cirrhosis refers to the scarring of liver tissue. This scarring, also known as fibrosis, is a result of long-term damage to the liver. The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate, but with severe or prolonged injury, this regeneration process is replaced by scar tissue. As scar tissue builds up, it obstructs blood flow through the liver and impairs its ability to function.

The most common causes of cirrhosis include chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), long-term heavy alcohol consumption, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is often associated with obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Other causes can include autoimmune hepatitis, bile duct diseases, and certain genetic disorders.

Symptoms of cirrhosis may not appear in the early stages. As the disease progresses, individuals might experience fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and abdominal pain. Later symptoms can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), swelling in the legs and abdomen (edema and ascites), easy bruising, and confusion or memory problems (hepatic encephalopathy).

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, blood tests to assess liver function, and imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI. A liver biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the damage.

Treatment for cirrhosis focuses on managing the underlying cause, slowing disease progression, and preventing complications. This can include lifestyle changes like abstaining from alcohol, medications to treat viral hepatitis or other causes, and dietary modifications. In advanced cases, a liver transplant may be the only option.