The Causes of Cirrhosis

QUESTION: A neighbor, living in the same building as we do, has been
diagnosed as having cirrhosis. Many of his friends and acquaintances who
spent a great deal of time in his company feel that they should be doing
something to protect themselves against this disease. Would you explain the
causes of cirrhosis and what means of protection are available to us?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: The liver is the largest organ in our body, averaging about 3 and
1/2 pounds and as big as a large melon. It is literally a chemical factory,
responsible for manufacturing hundreds of enzymes necessary for our body
functions, and detoxifying many poisons and drugs that enter the blood stream,
including alcohol. The term "cirrhosis" is used when changes occur in the
structure of the liver as the result of any one of a number of chronic
diseases. Normal tissue is destroyed and replaced by scar tissue, which
diminishes the ability of the organ to function properly, impeding the
circulation of the blood through the liver and reducing its detoxifying
powers. Cirrhosis is a common disease, ranking fourth as a cause of death
among American adults. Its cause is most varied, from a reaction to prolonged
exposure to environmental toxins to parasitic infections. The most common
cause is chronic alcoholism, and is the one that comes first to mind when
diagnosing this disease in a patient. If this is the case in your neighbor
you would have no need for the anxiety and fears expressed in your letter.
However, several types of viral infections may cause hepatitis, resulting in
the cirrhotic condition. Since this process takes some time, and your friend
has already developed cirrhosis, it is doubtful, again, that you have anything
to fear. It is most probable that you are all thinking of the gamma globulin
injections that are given to protect the closest relatives of a hepatitis
victim from contracting the disease, but only individuals in intimate or daily
contact with the patient need such protection. I would advise an inquiry to
your friend's physician, to obtain the information you need to calm your
fears.