$Unique_ID{BRK00946}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{How Could Cirrhosis of the Liver Develop So Quietly?}
$Subject{cirrhosis jaundice}
$Volume{I-8}
$Log{
Figure 1*0009701.scf
Figure 2*0009702.scf
Figure 3*0009703.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Could Cirrhosis of the Liver Develop So Quietly?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  As if without warning, my brother has now been informed he is
suffering from cirrhosis of the liver.  However he has had no symptoms until
just recently, when he visited his physician because of a weight loss.  Do you
feel the doctor was right in his diagnosis, and could you please explain how
this disease developed so quietly?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  It is difficult to comment on the correctness of the diagnosis
without more information as to the findings of the examination and laboratory
tests, but I can tell you that the condition of cirrhosis may develop over a
period of time without many warning signs.  Cirrhosis is the result of an
ongoing situation during which the liver cells are damaged and replaced by
scar tissue.  As the amount of normal tissue decreases, the liver can not
handle the many functions it must perform in the normal individual and the
symptoms become apparent in a gradual fashion.  Perhaps the first is a loss of
appetite, which leads to deficient nutrition and a loss of weight, the
situation you allude to in your question.  The appetite loss can transform
into actual nausea and then vomiting further complicating the weight problem.
A physical examination at this time can reveal a liver that is larger than
normal, and close inspection of the skin may show the first signs of yellowing
or "jaundice" which results when the liver can no longer remove certain bile
pigments which are deposited in the skin.  As the liver progresses along the
course of the disease, ascites or accumulation of fluid in the abdomen occurs
as blood flow through the liver is reduced.  As the liver loses its abilities
to to function, these patients may experience an increased sensitivity to
medications and drugs.  All symptoms do not appear in all patients, and it is
the task of both patient and physician to deal not only with these symptoms,
but to discover the cause of the cirrhosis and remove it if possible.  While
there are many causes for liver disease that produce cirrhosis including
infections, exposure to toxic chemicals and drugs, as well as drug reactions,
in many cases it is caused by chronic, prolonged and excessive use of alcohol.
Such patients can be helped greatly by avoiding alcohol completely and
consuming a nutritious balanced diet along with necessary vitamin supplements.
This may be easier said than done, but a supportive, concerned family is a
great resource for the patient.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
