How Do You Spell CIRRHOSIS HEPATICA?

1. Cirrhosis hepatica is a medical condition characterized by progressive damage and scarring of the liver tissue, leading to impaired liver function. It is a chronic and irreversible condition that often develops over several years. The term "cirrhosis" itself refers to the formation of fibrous tissue and the distortion of the liver's normal structure.

   Cirrhosis hepatica can be caused by various factors, including excessive alcohol consumption, chronic viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis B or C), fatty liver disease, autoimmune conditions, and certain genetic disorders. These underlying conditions trigger inflammation and injury to liver cells, leading to a cascade of events that initiate the formation of scar tissue.

   As cirrhosis progresses, the liver becomes increasingly scarred and nodular, disrupting its essential functions. These functions include metabolizing nutrients, synthesizing bile to aid digestion, detoxifying harmful substances, filtering the blood, and producing blood-clotting proteins. Consequently, individuals with cirrhosis may experience symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, easy bruising or bleeding, loss of appetite, weight loss, fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), and confusion (hepatic encephalopathy).

   While cirrhosis hepatica cannot be cured, early diagnosis and managing the underlying cause can potentially slow down the progression of the disease. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, such as abstaining from alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight, as well as medications to manage specific symptoms or complications. In severe cases, liver transplantation may be necessary as the final therapeutic option.

2. Hypertrophic c. of the liver.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CIRRHOSIS HEPATICA

The term "cirrhosis hepatica" comes from a combination of two words of different origins:

1. Cirrhosis: The word "cirrhosis" is derived from the Greek word "kirrhos", meaning yellowish or tawny. It was used to describe the appearance of a diseased liver, which often has a yellowish or tawny color. The Greek word "kirrhos" could have referred to the liver's color in cases of jaundice or the nodular appearance of the liver in advanced stages of cirrhosis.

2. Hepatica: The word "hepatica" is of Latin origin and denotes the liver. It is derived from the Latin word "hepar", which means liver. "Hepatica" is a combination of "hepar" and the Latin suffix "-tica", which means relating to or concerning.