What Causes Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis of the liver, the 12th leading cause of the death in the United States, is most commonly associated with alcohol abuse and with good reason: 10 to 20 percent of the 17.6 million alcoholics in the United States develop cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is caused by the liver trying to heal itself from inflammation. When this happens, the body’s begins a self-healing procedure and in the process, the liver becomes a withered, nodular organ that is mostly comprised of scar tissue. While alcoholism is a huge risk for cirrhosis, it is far from the only cause.

Cirrhosis of the liver can also be caused by hepatitis B and C, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Twenty percent of the 4 million Americans with hepatitis C develop cirrhosis of the liver. Statistics aren’t clear yet on how many people develop cirrhosis due to NAFLD, but the numbers are increasingly growing. Nonalcoholic fatty chronic liver disease is caused by obesity and as waistlines get larger, cases of cirrhosis are expected to rise.

Cirrhosis symptoms are vague and oftentimes missed completely until it is too late. Early symptoms are slight swelling in the legs and slight fatigue. In later stages there can be confusion, memory loss, vomiting blood, black stools and sleep disturbances. At this stage it could be life-threatening and may even turn to liver cancer.

If cirrhosis of the liver is due to hepatitis it can usually be treated with medication. Unfortunately, there are no medicines for cirrhosis brought on by overdrinking and overeating. The only way to help cirrhosis due to alcoholism is to stop drinking entirely so the liver can regenerate. To help cirrhosis brought about by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the patient must lose weight, develop an exercise habit, and adhere to healthy diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Unfortunately, those who have created disease in their body due to overdrinking and overeating have a very hard time bringing their habits under control.

Seeking support and rehabilitation is recommended. If the disease progresses to a severe case of cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be the only option.






Return to:

Social Security Disability Secrets

Social Security Disability Benefit Questions


SSI application denied at DDS - What do I do next?
Social Security Disability - are There Retroactive Benefits
If You Were Approved for Disability in One State Can You Move and still get benefits?
Will Social Security Understand What My Medical Records Have to Say?
Working and Applying for Social Security Disability
Can you get a second Social Security Disability Hearing if a judge denies you?
When should you get a Representative for Social Security Disability or SSI?