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
