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CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
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00348.txt
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK00348}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Causes of Cirrhosis}
$Subject{cirrhosis alcohol virus Digestive System systems liver disease
diseases scar tissue toxins parasite parasites parasitic infection infections
viral detoxifying detoxification environmental toxin toxins alcoholism
alcoholic alcoholics hepatitis}
$Volume{A-8, I-8}
$Log{
Cirrhosis of the Liver*0009700.tid
Normal, Fatty and Cirrhotic Livers*0009701.scf
What Causes Cirrhosis of the Liver*0009702.scf
Symptoms of Cirrhosis of the Liver*0009703.scf
Diseases of the Liver*0016101.scf}
Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
The Causes of Cirrhosis
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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?
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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.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.