Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Cirrhosis
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that causes degeneration of liver cells and decreased function of the liver.
What is going on in the body?
The liver filters out poisons, germs, bacteria, and wastes from the blood. It also releases vitamins, minerals, sugar, and immune agents back into the blood. The liver can replace its own diseased or damaged cells with new cells. Liver transplants are possible because of this ability.
In some cases, however, the restoration process can cause problems. As the liver tries to repair itself, the new cell growth is surrounded by scar tissue. The scar tissue may form nodules, or lumps. These nodules prevent the liver from restoring itself. The scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the veins and arteries.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Cirrhosis can be caused by a number of diseases and conditions. It occurs in twice as many men as women. Most people with cirrhosis are between 40 and 60 years of age. The most common causes of cirrhosis in developed nations include:
Other causes of cirrhosis include: