Cirrhosis Description: Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver is damaged and scarred, interfering with its functions. Though the scarring is permanent, it may be possible to stop progression by treating the cause. Alcoholism and chronic hepatitis are the most prevalent causes of cirrhosis in the U.S. Symptoms: Fatigue and loss of energy are common, along with loss of appetite and nausea, although many people experience few symptoms at the onset of cirrhosis. Spider angiomas -- pinhead-sized red spots from which tiny blood vessels radiate -- may develop on the skin. Patients in later stages develop jaundice, a yellowish cast to the skin and eyes, which is caused when the liver cannot process bilirubin for elimination from the body. The palms of the hands may be reddish and blotchy, and patients may lose body hair. Number of Americans diagnosed: Cirrhosis is the seventh leading cause of death by disease in the U.S., killing over 25,000 people each year. Long-term problems/treatments: The most serious complications of cirrhosis are bleeding, infections, and encephalopathy -- damage to the brain. Nearly every bodily process is affected by a damaged liver, including those of the digestive, hormonal, and circulatory systems. Cirrhosis is also a cause of liver cancer. In general, no treatments exist for the basic mechanisms that cause cirrhosis and its complications, although some therapies are in clinical trials. Directory List Choose an illness from the menu below: Select here Allergies Alzheimer's disease Arthritis Asthma Bipolar disorder Chronic back problems Chronic bronchitis Chronic obstructive        pulmonary disease Cirrhosis Depression Developmental disabilities Diabetes Emphysema Endometriosis Epilepsy Glaucoma Hearing impairment Heart disease Hepatitis C High blood pressure Human Immunodeficiency        Virus (HIV) Kidney disease Lou Gehrig's disease Lupus Lyme disease Migraine Multiple sclerosis Muscular Dystrophy Orthopedic Impairments Osteoporosis Paralysis of the extremities Parkinson's disease Psoriasis Schizophrenia Sinusitis Stroke Thyroid condition         Previous      Next Resources The USC Liver Transplant Program and Center for Liver Disease The PBC Foundation The PBCers Organization Home | Awareness | Patient Files | The Challenge | Your Stories | Outreach | Resources About the Program | About Fred Friendly Seminars | Our Partners | Site Map | Credits © 2001 Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc.