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Cirrhosis Causes & Risks

Causes

Cirrhosis occurs when cells in the liver are damaged and scar tissue forms. This scar tissue causes blood flow to be blocked and waste products to build up in the body.

Causes of cirrhosis include:

  • Excessive consumption of alcohol
  • Hepatitis C , B and D
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Inherited diseases:
  • Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), associated with:
  • Bile duct blockages, associated with:
    • Congenital defects
    • Scarred ducts
    • Gallbladder surgery
    • Pancreatitis
  • Drugs and toxins:
    • Arsenic
    • Isoniazid
    • Methotrexate
    • Excess vitamin A
  • Infections:
  • Heart failure, causing blood to repeatedly back up into the liver

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors include:

  • Alcohol abuse
  • Hepatitis infection
  • Use of drugs toxic to the liver
  • Being overweight
  • Diabetes that is poorly controlled
  • Ingestion of too much iron

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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