Common Causes of Cirrhosis

　　Cirrhosis is a disease caused by metabolic disorders, viral hepatitis, schistosomiasis, and chronic alcohol abuse leading to alcoholic toxicity, among other factors. In addition to active treatment, patients with cirrhosis must also observe certain measures conducive to recovery. What, then, are the common causes of cirrhosis?

　　Common Causes of Cirrhosis

　　The most common etiologies of cirrhosis include infection with hepatitis viruses—particularly hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Prolonged, heavy alcohol consumption can cause hepatocyte injury, fat accumulation, and hepatic fibrosis, which progressively advance to cirrhosis. Cholestasis—defined as persistent bile stasis resulting from obstruction of intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts due to any cause—may lead to cholestatic cirrhosis. Circulatory disturbances—including hepatic vein or inferior vena cava obstruction, chronic cardiac insufficiency, and constrictive pericarditis—can result in prolonged hepatic congestion, hepatocyte degeneration, and fibrosis, ultimately progressing to congestive cirrhosis.

　　Long-term use of hepatotoxic drugs, or exposure to chemical toxins such as carbon tetrachloride, phosphorus, and arsenic, may induce toxic hepatitis, eventually culminating in cirrhosis. Autoimmune diseases—including autoimmune hepatitis and various rheumatic and immune-mediated liver disorders—can also progress to cirrhosis. Parasitic infections, such as schistosomiasis and clonorchiasis, as well as hereditary and metabolic disorders—including Wilson’s disease (hepatolenticular degeneration), hemochromatosis, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency—may likewise contribute to cirrhosis development. Nutritional imbalances—including chronic dietary insufficiency or imbalance, malabsorption secondary to various chronic illnesses, and fatty liver associated with obesity and diabetes—can also evolve into cirrhosis.

　　Patients are strongly advised to seek prompt and appropriate treatment; delays or inappropriate management may lead to severe consequences. We hope this information proves helpful to you.