What is liver fibrosis?

The article is expertly consulted by Gastroenterologist, Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Cirrhosis is the terminal, if untreated, early stage of advanced fibrosis, characterized by septum and scar formation around the hepatocytes.

Liver fibrosis occurs when excessive scar tissue forms. It is caused by chronic infection with hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C or other viral hepatitis, heavy alcoholism, nonalcoholic fatty liver, exposure to toxins, trauma or other factors. Other damage to the liver can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. In particular, chronic infection with hepatitis B and C viruses and heavy alcoholism are the main causes of liver fibrosis.
Usually when there is an injury, the body's response is to form scars. More specifically, when liver cells are damaged by viruses, alcohol, toxins, trauma, or other factors, the immune system begins to repair the damage. In the case of liver fibrosis, the body's healing process becomes difficult, injured liver cells produce substances, which are released into the liver causing the accumulation of scar tissue.
People at high risk for cirrhosis of the liver Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C virus. Liver fibrosis occurs more quickly in men than in women. Autoimmune disease Compromised immune system (due to HIV coinfection or immunosuppressive drug use after a liver transplant) Heavy alcohol use Fatty liver Insulin resistance.

Usually, fibrosis takes years or decades to become clinically apparent, so that most patients have no symptoms. In the early stages of fibrosis, very few people have symptoms because liver function is still working well. The disease is detected only through diagnostic tests.
When scar tissue builds up due to inflammation and liver damage continues, the scar tissue that connects to each other can disrupt the metabolic functions of the liver. If the disease progresses, it can lead to cirrhosis - severe scarring of the liver, which causes blood flow through the liver to be significantly reduced and liver function severely impaired.
Normally, a healthy liver is very tender. With fibrosis, the liver becomes hard and firmer, especially as it progresses to cirrhosis, the liver can be as hard as a rock and the injury can be determined by medical techniques.

Treatments for cirrhosis of the liver are all focused on slowing the progression of the disease by treating the causative agents such as: treating viral hepatitis, avoiding alcohol, following a balanced diet, and limiting your intake of alcohol. salt, fat...
>>See more: The role of herbs in the treatment and prevention of liver fibrosis - Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - General Hospital Vinmec Central Park International Faculty