Imagine having an unsung hero working day and night in your body, guarding your health, but you may never really realize how important it is. That hero is your liver – a complex organ with over 500 life-sustaining functions.
However, when the liver encounters problems, such as cirrhosis, the effects can be fatal. Many people have misconceptions about the liver, and they may think that liver problems only occur in alcoholics or seriously ill patients, but the reality is that everyone has potential risks.
Introduction to Cirrhosis: The Liver's Silent Crisis
Cirrhosis, medically known as liver fibrosis, is a chronic liver disease in which healthy liver cells are gradually replaced by scar tissue, leading to severe deterioration of liver structure and function. It doesn't happen overnight, it's the result of long-term liver inflammation and damage.
Pathogenesis of cirrhosis: When the liver suffers persistent damage, such as long-term excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis (such as B and C), autoimmune liver disease, etc., it will try to repair itself. However, repeated injury and repair processes lead to the accumulation of scar tissue, which eventually forms sclerosis. This process slows down blood flow to the liver, affecting its filtering and metabolic functions.
Early cirrhosis may have no obvious symptoms, which makes it particularly dangerous. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling (due to ascites), and more serious complications such as portal hypertension and hepatic encephalopathy.
Cirrhosis of the liver: a dangerous invisible killer
Cirrhosis is not an empty medical term; it is a serious health warning that heralds a range of potentially serious complications. Understanding these potential hazards is the first step in preparedness and response.
1. Portal hypertension: a network of blood vessels under pressure
Portal hypertension is one of the most immediate consequences of cirrhosis. When liver tissue hardens, blood flow is blocked, resulting in increased pressure in the portal vein system. This pressure not only increases the risk of gastric and esophageal varices, but can also lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, a potentially life-threatening state.
2. 肝性脑病:当肝脏影响思维
Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric disorder caused by the liver's inability to effectively remove toxins from the blood. Symptoms range from mild memory problems and personality changes to severe confusion and coma. This not only seriously affects the patient's quality of life, but also poses a huge emotional and financial burden on family members.
3. Ascites: Abdominal dilemma under cirrhosis
Ascites is a common complication in the late stages of cirrhosis and is characterized by a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Not only does it cause physical discomfort and image effects, but in more severe cases, it can also lead to an infection in the abdomen, known as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, which can quickly become life-threatening.
4. Liver cancer: a fatal turn for cirrhosis
Patients with long-standing cirrhosis are at higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignancy that progresses rapidly and is often at an advanced stage when detected. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, but prevention and monitoring liver health are undoubtedly the more prioritized strategies.
5. Weakened immune system function: The body's defenses are impaired
Cirrhosis affects the normal function of the liver, including its role in immune regulation. This means that patients are more susceptible to infections, from common bacterial infections to severe viral illnesses, and the recovery process is more difficult.
The five things that I am most afraid of if my liver is not good
1. Poison arrows of alcohol: the hidden danger of excessive drinking
Drinking too much alcohol is the main enemy of the liver. The toxins produced when alcohol is broken down by the liver can gradually destroy liver cells, leading to fatty liver, hepatitis and even cirrhosis. Reducing alcohol intake not only prevents new damage, but also gives the liver a chance to repair itself.
2. The Temptation of Oiliness: The Crisis of Unhealthy Eating
High-fat, high-sugar foods are another major threat to the liver. These foods can increase the burden on the liver and cause fatty liver, which may lead to a decrease in liver function over time. A balanced diet and increased intake of vegetables and fruits can effectively reduce the burden on the liver and protect liver cells.
3. The dangers of inertia: the consequences of lack of exercise
Regular physical activity not only helps maintain a healthy weight, but also improves blood circulation and improves the liver's ability to detoxify. Lack of exercise can lead to obesity and metabolic syndrome, which are potential triggers of liver disease. Simple daily activities, such as brisk walking, can also significantly improve liver health.
4. The double-edged sword of drugs: ignoring drug side effects
Many drugs are metabolized through the liver, and improper use can cause damage to the liver. Even commonly used over-the-counter medications, such as certain pain relievers, can cause liver damage if used in prolonged or excessive amounts. When taking medicine, you should strictly follow the doctor's instructions and avoid unnecessary drug intake.
5. Ignored Signals: The Danger of Early Symptoms
Liver disease often has no obvious symptoms in the early stages, or symptoms such as fatigue and dyspepsia. As a result, many people ignore these early warnings. Regular physical examinations, especially liver function tests, are essential for early detection and treatment of liver disease.