Importance of the Topic
Cirrhosis is a disease in the liver. The liver is scarred and the scar forms due to either injuries or chronic diseases. The liver tissues, in general, are vital part of the body since it makes protein, cleans the blood, stores energy, fights infection and helps digest food. If the liver tissue is scarred, it cannot function the way it should be. If this occurs, cirrhosis can lead to symptoms such as: high blood pressure specifically in the vein where the liver entrance is, kidney failure, gallstones, some external physical symptoms such as bruising easily, bleeding, swelling of the legs, nosebleeds, and severe itching. A small portion of the people who have cirrhosis can get a liver cancer. The most common cause of cirrhosis is severe alcohol consumption. It is important to know facts about this diseases in order to learn more on how to prevent it and cure it in the future.
Normal Physiology Liver is the largest gland in our body. The location of the liver is inferior to the diaphragm and it is mostly to our right side of our body. The liver has four lobes: left lobe, right lobe, caudate lobe, and quadrate lobe. It is one of our body’s most important organ due to its traits and functions. The liver consists of secretory functions as well as metabolic functions. One of the
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Jaundice is when a person’s eyes turns yellow and the skin has excess bilirubin in the blood. Some of the results of jaundice includes a high abnormal level of the red blood cells being destroyed which is called hemolytic jaundice. Another feature is the transportation of bilirubin with the hepatic cells called hepatocellular jaundice. Another result is the blockage of the ducts. If the hepatic cells does not function properly, it can result into further complications such as cirrhosis. A blood test would show the abnormality of the levels of urea, ammonia, serum proteins, cholesterol and other types of
The gallbladder according to Dorland’s Medical Dictionary is ‘the pear shaped reservoir for the bile on the posteroinferior surface of the liver, between the right and the left quadrate lobe, from its neck the cystic duct projects to join the common bile duct’. The function of the gallbladder in the human body is to solve and concentrate bile, which is produced by the liver and is necessary for proper digestion of fats.
Characterized by progressive tissue injury and scarring, cirrhosis is among the leading causes of chronic liver failure in the United States. Recent research conducted by the National Institutes of Health indicated that the prevalence of cirrhosis, especially in clients diagnosed with Hepatitis C, has increased steadily throughout the past decade and will likely continue to increase in the future (Kanwal et al., 2011). Caused by recurrent tissue damage and inflammation, cirrhosis occurs as healthy hepatocytes (liver cells) are replaced by fibrotic and non-functional scar tissue through natural healing processes. Although liver tissue is normally very resilient, sustained injury eventually outpaces restorative capacity and a majority of functional tissue is replaced with collagenous tissue and liver failure occurs. In the United States, cirrhosis is most commonly caused by Hepatitis C, alcoholism, fatty liver disease, and biliary obstruction (Kanwal et al., 2011). Due to the increase in prevalence and the seriousness of the condition, cirrhosis represents a significant healthcare issue. The treatment and care of clients diagnosed with cirrhosis is complex. The following information addresses several of the major aspects of nursing care associated with the treatment of clients diagnosed with cirrhosis. Additionally, current studies regarding the treatment of cirrhosis will be evaluated in an effort to assess their readiness to be incorporated into current evidenced-based nursing practice.
The Hepatitis A Virus affects many different systems within the body. The first being the digestive system and the gastrointestinal system because Hepatitis A causes an acute liver infection. The liver’s job is to process nutrients, filter the blood and toxin from your body, and fight infections. It produces important blood components, proteins, and bile which helps you digest food. The liver also stores glucose and vitamins. The Hepatitis A Virus causes inflammation that interrupts the liver’s ability to perform these vital functions. Having a healthy liver is crucial to your health because it supports many other body systems. For example, one function of the liver is to produce bile which is needed to break down fats. The body stores bile in the gallbladder and then sends it to the beginning section of the small intestine. Bile is then combined with other digestive
The sonographic appearance varies depending on of the Hepatitis is acute or chronic. In acute hepatitis you will see a normal texture or portal veins will be more prominent. The liver appears hypoechoic. Attenuation might be present in acute Hepatitis. Gallbladder walls are thickened and hepatosplenomegaly. In chronic Hepatitis the parenchyma will appear coarsed with decreased brightness of the portal triad. Attentuaion is not as great in chronic Hepatitis. Fibrosis may occur with soft shadowing. The size of the liver is decreased and appears hyperechoic.
Cirrhosis is a deterioration of the liver resulting from heavy scarring, causing the liver to not be able to function properly. If cirrhosis becomes severe, a liver transplant may be the only solution (“Beyond Hangovers: Understanding Alcohol's Impact on Your Health” 14). It is difficult to calculate when a person will develop cirrhosis, because an alcoholic could never develop the disease, but someone who drinks socially could. It is also unknown why cirrhosis is more prevalent in women (Freeman).... ...
An estimated 242,251 Canadians, and 150 million people worldwide are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus, and more than 350 000 people die every year from hepatitis C-related liver diseases.1 Hepatitis C can lead to other serious diseases, such as liver failure, death, etc. But without any vaccines available to prevent the contraction of the disease, it may be hard to avoid. Due to disease generally being asymptomatic many people are unaware that they have it, further spreading the disease because of a lack of prevention mechanisms. Hepatitis C when developed chronically can cause serious affects on the liver, which may even lead to death. With hepatitis C being such a serious disease, it is important that more people be tested for it so they can start treatment in the early stages of the disease, as well as be aware and informed, before it becomes a chronic infection leading to serious complications.
Hepatitis A is a usually short acting virus that occurs in humans and monkeys. It is caused by the Hepatovirus and the species is Hepatitis A Virus. There are two major ways in which Hepatitis A can be transmitted. One way is from person to person. This transmission occurs when the fecal matter of an infected person gets ingested by another person. Other ways Hepatitis A can be transmitted from person to person are through direct contact with an infected person, such as sexual contact, and sharing of needles for intravenous drug use. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through coming in contact with contaminated food or water. Also foods that are uncooked or undercooked and have been contaminated with Hepatitis A can transmit the virus. (Bennett,
Hepatitis A is a virus or an infection that causes liver disease and inflammation of the liver. According to Centers for Disease and Prevention, hepatitis A is a self- limited disease that does not cause a chronic infection and it is rarely fatal. The virus is an infectious disease of the liver which cannot be transmitted by sneezing and coughing. It is usually transmitted from person to person through the feces or the mouth, from consuming contaminated food or water. Many people do not experience any symptoms of hepatitis A, but if someone was to get it, then the symptoms could last from 2 weeks to 6 weeks. The blood is tested to determine how the liver is functioning. The blood is usually taken from the vein in the arm and
Hepatitis A is an acute infection of the liver that travels through your bloodstream and gastrointestinal tract (2). It is transmitted person to person through fecal contamination. Ingesting contaminated food and water is the main source, this usually occurs when an infected food handler prepares food without appropriate hand hygiene (3). Outbreaks are fairly common in institutions, prisons and military forces. An early infection of Hepatitis A can mimic the flu with symptoms such as being febrile, lethargy, nausea, anorexia, abdominal discomfort and eventually causing severe jaundice (1). This virus can progress and cause liver failure and even death if not treated promptly (3).
Hepatitis A is a virus or an infection that causes liver disease and inflammation of the liver. According to Centers for Disease and Prevention, hep A is a self- limited disease that does not cause a chronic infection and it is rarely fatal. The virus is an infectious disease of the liver which cannot be transmitted by sneezing and coughing. It is usually transmitted from person to person through the feces or the mouth, from consuming contaminated food or water. Many people do not experience any symptoms of hepatitis A, but if someone was to get it, then the symptoms could last from 2 weeks to 6 weeks. The blood is tested to determine how the liver is functioning. The blood is usually taken from the vein in the arm and is taken to the lab
Chronic viral hepatitis(CVH) is a chronic inflammatory reaction of the liver due to either hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis c (HCV) or hepatitis d (HDV) , occurring over more than 3 to 6 months. Chronic viral hepatitis is the main cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepato cellular cancer (Porth, p962). According to a media report on “the rising burden of chronic liver disease a high price to pay ";liver disease affects more than 6 million Australians and costs the government $50.7 annually. Marriott (2013) stated that chronic viral hepatitis is still referred to as the silent epidemic due to lack or low levels of risk awareness. The manifestations and changes that occur in the liver and treatment options will be further explored to provide awareness of the condition.
What is hepatic cirrhosis? According to the medical dictionary hepatic cirrhosis is when scar tissue replaces the liver’s healthy tissue. This disease changes the structure of the liver and blood vessels that nurture it. It reduces the liver’s capability to produce proteins and process hormones, nutrients, medications, and poisons. Cirrhosis is an illness that gets worse over time and possibly can become life threatening. This serious illness is ranked as the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S. It is the third most common cause of death for adults between 45 and 65 years of age. It occurs in more than fifty percent of undernourished chronic alcoholics. Unfortunately it kills about 35,000 people per year. In other country’s such as Africa and Asia death from cirrhosis is usually caused by hepatitis B.
Hypertrichosis, which is also known as Ambras Syndrome or Werewolf Syndrome, is excess growth of hair on parts of the body. Hypertrichosis can either be generalized meaning it covers the whole body or localized meaning it is only on a certain area. There are three different hair types that may be involved. They include Lanugo (long and silky), Vellus (replace Lanugo after birth except on the scalp and eyebrows), and terminal (course, thick, and pigmented). Generalized can include all three types while acquired usually involves vellus that turn into terminal. Along with being generalized or localized, Hypertrichosis is also separated into congenital or acquired classifications. Congenital means that this disorder was present at birth and may have been caused by mutations in the genes. While acquired means that it became present over time. The cause for congenital is typically genetics while the cause for acquired is influence by medical conditions such as metabolic disorders, cancer or even oral and topical drug treatments. Congenital Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa is thought to be caused by mutations on the eighth chromosome or spontaneous gene mutations. The main sign of Hypertrichosis is excess hair growth, especially in places that hair does not typically grow in. Symptoms of Hypertrichosis may be present because of underlying conditions or chemical imbalances and the side effects of some medications. When a patient is being diagnosed with Hypertrichosis, a Doctor will determine if this was congenital or acquired. Congenital has no cure but acquired are typically triggered by factors that can be reversed or lessened so the Doctor could try to find these triggers. Hypertrichosis can cause cosmet...
The common change is liver cell necrosis. It may be the form of an acute hepatitis or viral or alcoholic type. Alternatively there may be continuous liver cell damage as in metabolic disorders. When necrosis is massive as in severe viral or drug induced hepatitis, the areas of surviving parenchyma are assumed to undergo regeneration but fail to reproduce normal lobular or acinar architecture. The compressed necrotic zones then form the basis of the fibrous septa of the cirrhotic liver.
This is the inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis virus is a major cause of hepatitis in humans. However, the condition can be induced by various infections and medical conditions, such as excess intake of alcohol, medications, toxins, and autoimmune disease. There are five types of hepatitis virus which include: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, hepatitis E. (“Hepatitis | NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,” 2015)