What are the common causes of liver cirrhosis?
The cirrhosis does not develop overnight. A patient is having live damage over months to years. The most common factors that increase your chances of cirrhosis include:
Chronic alcoholism – Alcohol can poison all living cells, including liver tissue. It causes inflammation, scarring, and death of liver cells – leading to scarring of the liver.
Hepatitis – It refers to inflammation of the liver tissues from any cause but usually means inflammation of the liver due to viral infection.
Biliary cirrhosis – Bile is a green-colored pigment produced by the liver, which helps the body digest fats. Obstruction to the flow of bile can cause scarring and inflammation.
Autoimmune cirrhosis –The immune system of the body protects itself against “invaders” like bacteria, viruses, or allergens. Failure to do so can lead to liver scarring and cirrhosis.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver – This is a disorder in which fat builds up in the liver tissue, ultimately causing the development of scar tissue.
Inherited diseases – A variety of genetic conditions may damage the liver. They include Wilson’s disease, cystic fibrosis, galactosemia, deficiency in alpha-1 antitrypsin, glycogen storage diseases, and hemochromatosis.
Drugs, toxins, and infections – Different substances and germs can cause liver damage. Certain medications (e.g., acetaminophen (Tylenol), environmental toxins, and free radicals can contribute to cirrhosis. Infections with various bacteria or parasites over the long term can also damage the liver and cause cirrhosis.
Cardiac cirrhosis – Your heart works as a pump to push blood through your entire body. Blood “backs up” into the liver when your heart isn’t pumping well. This overload can cause scarring of the liver tissues.
