The liver, weighing approximately three pounds, is the largest solid organ of the body in addition to being one of the most important organs. The vital functions that are performed by the liver include forming bile that is necessary for better digestion, removing toxins from the blood, storing sugar in the form of glycogen as well as vitamins and minerals, and manufacturing blood proteins that aid in clotting, immune system and breaking down fatty substances in the body.

Cirrhosis disrupts the liver from performing these functions. It is a condition in which the healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue which hampers the flow of blood to the liver.

Cirrhosis is the twelfth most common cause of death by a disease and it is responsible for approximately 26,000 deaths each year.

Causes and Risk Factors

Alcohol Abuse: Chronic alcoholism is a major cause of cirrhosis of the liver. The amount of alcohol consumption that leads to the cirrhosis varies among individuals and is also dependent on the age, gender and biological condition of the individual. Alcohol causes injury to the liver cells by obstructing the normal process of breaking down protein, fats, and carbohydrates.

Hepatitis: Hepatitis C is the second leading cause of cirrhosis of liver. It incites a progressive damage in the liver that progressively forms over several years. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis D also have the same effect. However, Hepatitis D can affect only those individuals who have Hepatitis B. Autoimmune Hepatitis is another potential cause of cirrhosis of liver. In this cause, the body’s own immune system attacks the liver and causes inflammation.