Treatment for cirrhosis – NHS

The treatment for cirrhosis depends on what has caused it. Cirrhosis cannot usually be cured, but there are ways to manage the symptoms and any complications, and stop the condition getting worse.

Lifestyle changes

If you have cirrhosis, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your chances of further problems and complications. These include:

• avoid alcohol 
• quit smoking
• lose weight if you’re overweight or obese
• do regular exercise to reduce muscle loss
• practise good hygiene to reduce your chance of getting infections
• speak to a GP about vaccinations you may need, such as the annual flu vaccine or travel vaccines
• speak to a GP or pharmacist if you’re taking over-the-counter or prescription medicines, because cirrhosis can affect the way some medicines work

Dietary changes

Malnutrition is common in people with cirrhosis, so it’s important you eat a healthy, balanced diet to help you get all the nutrients you need.

Cutting down on salt can help reduce the chance of swelling in your legs, feet and tummy caused by a build-up of fluid.

The damage to your liver can mean it’s unable to store glycogen, which is a type of fuel the body needs for energy.

When this happens, your muscle tissue is used for energy between meals, which leads to muscle loss and weakness. This means you may need extra calories and protein in your diet.

Eating healthy snacks between meals, or having 3 or 4 small meals each day, rather than 1 or 2 large meals, may help.

Medicine

The medicine you need will depend on what caused the damage to your liver. For example, if cirrhosis is from long-term viral hepatitis, you may be prescribed antiviral medicine.

You may be offered medicines to ease the symptoms of cirrhosis, such as:

• diuretics, which are used in combination with a low-salt diet to reduce the amount of fluid in your body, which helps with swelling (oedema)
• medicine to help with high blood pressure in the main vein that takes blood to the liver (portal hypertension)
• prescription creams to ease skin itching

Managing complications

If cirrhosis progresses and your liver is no longer able to function (decompensated cirrhosis), you may get complications that need treatment.

Swollen or bleeding veins

When cirrhosis has progressed, it can cause the veins in your food pipe (oesophagus) or stomach to become swollen. These are called oesophageal varices and gastric varices.

An endoscopy is used to diagnose oesophageal and gastric varices.

You may be given a type of medicine called a beta blocker, such as propranolol, to reduce the chance of the varices bleeding, or to help control bleeding.

If you vomit blood, or have blood in your poo, it may be because the varices are bleeding (a variceal haemorrhage). You will need urgent treatment. Go to your nearest A&E department immediately.

There are several treatments used to prevent or stop the bleeding, such as medicines and fitting a band around the veins (endoscopic variceal band ligation).

Find out more about the treatments for oesophageal and gastric varices from The British Liver Trust.

Fluid in the tummy and legs

A build-up of fluid in your tummy area (ascites) or legs and ankles (peripheral oedema) is a common complication when cirrhosis progresses.

The main treatments are cutting out salt from your diet and taking a type of medicine called a diuretic, such as spironolactone or furosemide.

If the fluid in your tummy becomes infected, you may need antibiotics. In severe cases, you may need to have the fluid drained from your tummy area with a tube.

Encephalopathy

Cirrhosis can sometimes cause problems with your brain function (encephalopathy).

Symptoms include confusion, feeling sleepy, and problems concentrating. This happens because the liver is no longer able to clear toxins properly.

The main treatment for encephalopathy is lactulose syrup. This acts as a laxative and helps clear toxins from your body. You may also need to take an antibiotic called rifaximin, to prevent infection.

Bleeding

Cirrhosis can affect your liver’s ability to make your blood clot, which means there’s a chance of severe bleeding if you cut yourself or have an operation or dental work.

You may be given medicines, or a blood product called plasma, to prevent or treat bleeding.

Talk to your doctor about your condition and the risk of bleeding before having an operation, including any dental work.

Liver transplant

If cirrhosis progresses and your liver is severely damaged, a liver transplant may be the only treatment option.

This is a major operation that involves removing your diseased liver and replacing it with a healthy liver from a donor.

You will probably have to wait a long time for a suitable donor liver to become available.

You will not be able to have a liver transplant if cirrhosis was caused by alcohol-related liver disease and you continue to drink alcohol.

Find out more about a liver transplant from the British Liver Trust.

Diabetes

Diabetes may get worse if you have type 2 diabetes and develop cirrhosis.

This is because cirrhosis can increase your resistance to insulin, a hormone produced by the body to control blood sugar levels.

Managing cirrhosis and diabetes can be very challenging. You will need careful monitoring and may need to take several different medicines.

Liver cancer

Having cirrhosis increases the chance of liver cancer, most commonly a type called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Many symptoms of liver cancer are the same as symptoms of cirrhosis, so regular checks for liver cancer are important.

You should have an ultrasound scan, and may also have blood tests, every 6 months to check for HCC.

Read more about liver cancer.

Page last reviewed: 29 June 2020
Next review due: 29 June 2023

Chronic Liver Disease/Cirrhosis | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This stops the liver from working normally.

Cirrhosis is a long-term (chronic) liver disease. The damage to your liver builds up over time.

The liver is your body’s largest internal organ. It lies up under your ribs on the right side of your belly.

The liver does many important things including:

• Removes waste from the body, such as toxins and medicines
• Makes bile to help digest food
• Stores sugar that the body uses for energy
• Makes new proteins

When you have cirrhosis, scar tissue slows the flow of blood through the liver. Over time, the liver can’t work the way it should.

In severe cases, the liver gets so badly damaged that it stops working. This is called liver failure.

What causes cirrhosis?

The most common causes of cirrhosis are:

• Hepatitis and other viruses
• Alcohol abuse
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (this happens from metabolic syndrome and is caused by conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and high blood pressure)

Other less common causes of cirrhosis may include:

• Autoimmune disorders, where the body’s infection-fighting system (immune system) attacks healthy tissue
• Blocked or damaged tubes (bile ducts) that carry bile from the liver to the intestine
• Use of certain medicines
• Exposure to certain toxic chemicals
• Repeated episodes of heart failure with blood buildup in the liver
• Parasite infections

Some diseases passed from parent to child (inherited diseases) may also cause cirrhosis. These may include:

• Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency
• High blood galactose levels
• Glycogen storage diseases
• Cystic fibrosis
• Porphyria (a disorder in which certain chemicals build up in the blood)
• Hereditary buildup of too much copper (Wilson disease) or iron (hemochromatosis) in the body

What are the symptoms of cirrhosis?

Your symptoms may vary, depending on how severe your cirrhosis is. Mild cirrhosis may not cause any symptoms at all.

Symptoms may include:

• Fluid buildup in the belly (ascites)
• Vomiting blood, often from bleeding in the blood vessels in the food pipe (esophagus)
• Gallstones
• Itching
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Kidney failure
• Muscle loss
• Loss of appetite
• Easy bruising
• Spider-like veins in the skin
• Low energy and weakness (fatigue)
• Weight loss
• Confusion as toxins build up in the blood

The symptoms of cirrhosis may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure.

How is cirrhosis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will look at your past health. He or she will give you a physical exam.

You may also have tests including:

• Blood tests. These will include liver function tests to see if the liver is working the way it should. You may also have tests to see if your blood is able to clot.
• Liver biopsy. Small tissue samples are taken from the liver with a needle or during surgery. The samples are checked under a microscope to find out the type of liver disease.

Your healthcare provider may want you to have imaging tests including:

• CT scan (computed tomography). This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This test makes detailed pictures of organs and structures inside your body. It uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy. A dye may be shot (injected) into your vein. The dye helps the liver and other organs to be seen more clearly on the scan.
• Ultrasound. This shows your internal organs as they work. It checks how blood is flowing through different blood vessels. It uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs.

You may also have an upper endoscopy (EGD). A lighted flexible camera is placed through your mouth into your upper digestive tract to look for enlarged blood vessels that are at risk of bleeding because of your cirrhosis. 

If you have fluid in the belly (ascites), you may need a low sodium diet, water pills (diuretics), and removal of the fluid with a needle (paracentesis).

How is cirrhosis treated?

Cirrhosis is a progressive liver disease that happens over time. The damage to your liver can sometimes reverse or improve if the trigger is gone, such as stop drinking alcohol or if the virus is treated.

The goal of treatment is to slow down the buildup of scar tissue and prevent or treat other health problems.

In many cases, you may be able to delay or stop any more liver damage. If you have hepatitis, it may be treated to delay worsening of your liver disease.

Your treatment may include:

• Eating a healthy diet, low in sodium
• Not having alcohol or illegal drugs
• Managing any health problems that happen because of cirrhosis  

Talk to your healthcare provider before taking prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, or vitamins.

If you have severe cirrhosis, treatment can’t control other problems. A liver transplant may be needed.

Other treatments may be specific to your cause of cirrhosis, such as controlling excessive iron or copper levels, or using immune suppressing medicines.

Be sure to ask your healthcare provider about recommended vaccines. These include vaccines for viruses that can cause liver disease.

What are the complications of cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis can cause other health problems such as:

• Portal hypertension. The portal vein carries blood from your intestines and spleen to your liver. Cirrhosis slows the normal flow of blood. That raises the pressure in the portal vein. This is called portal hypertension.
• Enlarged blood vessels. Portal hypertension may cause abnormal blood vessels in the stomach (called portal gastropathy and vascular ectasia) or enlarged veins in the stomach and the food pipe or esophagus (called varices). These blood vessels are more likely to burst due to thin walls and higher pressure. If they burst, severe bleeding can happen. Seek medical attention right away.
• Ascites. Fluid collecting in your belly. This can become infected. 
• Kidney disease or failure
• Easy bruising and severe bleeding. This happens when the liver stops making proteins that are needed for your blood to clot.
• Type 2 diabetes. When you have cirrhosis, your body does not use insulin properly (insulin resistance). The pancreas tries to keep up with the need for insulin by making more, but blood sugar (glucose) builds up. This causes type 2 diabetes.
• Liver cancer

Key points about cirrhosis

• Cirrhosis is when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This stops the liver from working normally.
• Cirrhosis is a long-term (chronic) liver disease.
• The most common causes are hepatitis and other viruses, and alcohol abuse. Other medical problems can also cause it.
• The damage to the liver usually can’t be reversed.
• The goal of treatment is to slow down the buildup of scar tissue and prevent or treat any problems that happen.
• In severe cases, you may need a liver transplant.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

Cirrhosis of the liver: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Content

• 1 Cirrhosis of the liver: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
  • 1. 1 Cirrhosis of the liver: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
    • 1.1.1 Symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver

    900 05 1.1.2 Diagnosis of cirrhosis liver

    • 1.1.3 Treatment of liver cirrhosis
  • 1.2 Liver cirrhosis: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
    • 1.2.1 What is liver cirrhosis?
  • 1.3 What are the signs of liver cirrhosis?
  • 1.4 Risk factors for liver cirrhosis
  • 1.5 Diagnosis of liver cirrhosis
    • 1.5.1 History
    • 1.5.2 Clinical and laboratory investigations
    • 1.5.3 Instrumental examinations
  • 1.6 What are the treatments for liver cirrhosis
  • 1.7 Cirrhosis diet plan
    • 1.7.1 What to eat
    • 1.7.2 What to limit or avoid
  • 1.8 Preventing cirrhosis
  • 1.9 How to prevent the progression of liver cirrhosis
  • 1.10 Related videos:
  • 1.11 Q&A:
    • • 1.11.0.1 Can cirrhosis of the liver be completely cured?
  • 1. 12 Life after beating cirrhosis
  • 1.13 Can cirrhosis be cured?

We study the symptoms and diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. Find out how to recognize this dangerous disease and what treatments to use.

Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic liver disease that develops gradually and can lead to complete damage to the liver, deterioration of quality of life and, ultimately, death. Symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver may manifest differently in each patient, but in the early stages of the disease they are not always noticeable and can take the form of fatigue, pain in the right hypochondrium, heartburn, etc.

However, when the first symptoms of the disease appear, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Doctors use various methods to diagnose cirrhosis of the liver, such as a physical examination, measurement of enzyme levels in the blood, ultrasound, and so on.

Treatment of cirrhosis of the liver should be started as early as possible to prevent its development and keep the patient healthy. There are various treatments for cirrhosis of the liver, such as lifestyle changes, medications, procedures, and surgeries. When determining the optimal treatment for each patient, doctors consider the stage of the disease and other factors.

Although cirrhosis of the liver is a serious disease that often leads to complications, it is important to remember that early medical attention and proper treatment can prevent its development and allow you to return to a healthy lifestyle.

Cirrhosis of the liver: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver

Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic disease that leads to a gradual deterioration of liver function. Among the main symptoms of liver cirrhosis are:

• An increase in the size of the abdomen and the appearance of the ability to tumour;
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes;
• Fatigue and weakness;
• Decreased appetite and weight loss;
• Abdominal pain and heartburn;
• Increased bleeding and bruising.

These symptoms may appear gradually, so early medical attention is very important for the successful treatment of cirrhosis.

Diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver

Diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver may require complex medical examinations. The main research methods used to diagnose liver cirrhosis are:

1. Blood test for the presence of disease markers;
2. Ultrasound of the liver and biliary tract;
3. CT or MRI of the liver and abdomen;
4. Fibrogastroduodenoscopy;
5. Liver laparoscopy.

These methods allow you to accurately establish the diagnosis, determine the stage of the disease and determine the possibility of surgery or treatment.

Treatment of liver cirrhosis

Treatment of liver cirrhosis is aimed at maintaining liver function at an optimal level, and at eliminating or alleviating the symptoms of the disease. The optimal way to treat cirrhosis of the liver is determined after diagnosis and evaluation of the patient’s condition. Depending on the degree of development of the disease, the patient may be prescribed conservative treatment or surgery.

Treatment should include changes in diet and diet, treatment of comorbidities, and the use of special medications to protect liver function. If possible, liver transplantation can be performed – this is the only radical way to treat cirrhosis of the liver.

Cirrhosis of the liver: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

What is cirrhosis of the liver?

Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic disease in which liver tissue is gradually destroyed and replaced by scar tissue, which leads to a violation of its functions.

Cirrhosis of the liver increases the risk of developing other diseases such as liver cancer, acute and chronic infections, portal hypertension, encephalopathy and other complications. Cirrhosis of the liver is one of the most common causes of death worldwide.

The causes of liver cirrhosis can be alcohol and drug poisoning, heredity, hepatitis viruses, etc. The presence of the disease can be determined using medical studies such as ultrasound, biopsy and other methods, which allows you to start treatment at an early stage and prevent possible complications .

What are the signs of liver cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by impaired functioning of the liver. One of the main signs of cirrhosis is jaundice, which manifests itself externally – it will let you know about itself when the level of bilirubin in the blood reaches noticeable values.

Often the first symptom of liver cirrhosis is pain in the right hypochondrium, which is especially aggravated after eating fatty foods or alcohol. Various disorders of vital organs may also occur, for example, dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, joint pain.

Cirrhosis of the liver can lead to dysfunction of the digestive system: it becomes difficult for the patient to tolerate fatty, fried, spicy and salty foods, swelling of the legs and abdomen is formed. In some cases, it is possible to increase body temperature to critical values.

• Chronic fatigue – with cirrhosis, a person always feels tired, which does not go away even after a long rest.
• Discoloration of the skin – with cirrhosis, the skin becomes yellow or brownish-gray. It is also common for skin spots to appear, and nails and bones to become more brittle.
• Fainting and dizziness – the brain is often affected by liver cirrhosis, which can lead to confusion, loss of consciousness or falling.

Risk factors for cirrhosis of the liver

Cirrhosis of the liver is a serious disease that can lead to impaired liver function and even death. There are a number of risk factors that can contribute to the onset of cirrhosis of the liver.

• Alcohol dependence: Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of liver cirrhosis. The more alcohol a person consumes, the greater the risk of cirrhosis.
• Viral infections: Viral infections such as hepatitis B, C and D can cause cirrhosis of the liver. They are transmitted through blood or sexual contact.
• Fatty liver: Excessive accumulation of fat in the liver can lead to major problems, including cirrhosis. Fatty liver disease occurs with diabetes and overweight.
• Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis can also lead to liver cirrhosis.

These risk factors are just some of the possible causes of liver cirrhosis. They get worse when combined with other factors such as genetic factors, stress, and certain medications.

Diagnosis of liver cirrhosis

Anamnesis

The first step in the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis is the history taking. The doctor asks the patient questions about the presence of symptoms, such as pain in the right side, fatigue, jaundice. It is also worth asking about the patient’s medical history, including past surgeries and liver disease.

Clinical and laboratory tests

When diagnosing cirrhosis of the liver, a doctor performs a physical examination that looks for symptoms associated with liver disease, such as an enlarged liver and spleen, and the presence of varicose veins in the abdomen. It is also necessary to undergo laboratory tests that allow you to determine the biochemical composition of the blood, the content of proteins and other substances that may indicate the presence of cirrhosis of the liver.

Instrumental research

To clarify the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, it is necessary to conduct instrumental studies. These can be various types of scans, such as MRI and CT scans, or analysis of a liver biopsy. These methods allow you to see changes in liver tissue and accurately establish the diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver.

It is important to be diagnosed with liver cirrhosis at an early stage of the disease, as this allows you to start effective and timely treatment and avoid complications.

What are the treatments for liver cirrhosis

Treatment of liver cirrhosis depends on the stage of the disease and the causes of its occurrence.

In the early stages of liver cirrhosis, lifestyle changes may help. It is recommended to stop drinking alcohol and nicotine, to eat a diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins, and to undergo regular medical examinations. In some cases, antiviral drugs may be used to treat viral hepatitis.

In more severe cases of liver cirrhosis, medical treatment is necessary. The doctor may prescribe drugs that reduce the load on the liver, promote tissue regeneration and eliminate bile stagnation. In the case of gallstone disease, removal of the gallbladder may be recommended.

In severe cases of liver cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be necessary. Liver transplantation is the only effective treatment for end-stage cirrhosis and can completely cure the disease. However, transplantation requires the presence of a donor liver and highly qualified surgeons, which can significantly limit the possibilities of treatment.

Diet plan for liver cirrhosis

In liver cirrhosis, the main task of nutrition is to reduce the load on the organ, reduce the accumulation of toxins and maintain a normal body weight. Frequent meals (5-6 times a day) in small portions are recommended.

What to eat

• Proteins: lean meat, fish, eggs, low fat dairy products.
• Carbohydrates: rice, porridge, wheat, couscous, vegetables, fruit, whole grain bread.
• Fats: vegetable oils, nuts, seeds.

What to limit or eliminate

• Animal fats: fatty meat, butter.
• Sugar and sweets: sugar, sweets, cakes, pastries.
• Salt: limit the amount of salt in food.
• Alcohol: Completely eliminate alcohol from the diet.

Nutrition for cirrhosis of the liver must be made individually, taking into account the degree of progression of the disease and the patient’s condition. If you’re not sure which diet to choose, talk to your doctor or an experienced dietitian.

Prevention of cirrhosis of the liver

To prevent cirrhosis of the liver, it is necessary to eat right and lead a healthy lifestyle. The first priority is to prevent the development of liver diseases.

It is important to eat more vegetables and fruits rich in potassium, vitamins and antioxidants, which rid the body of toxins and prevent chemical effects on the liver. It is also necessary to limit the consumption of fatty, fried and abundantly salty foods.

Stopping smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as the correct daily routine and sufficient rest, increase immunity, which helps the body cope with stress and diseases, including liver cirrhosis.

• In addition, it is important to monitor metabolism and keep blood sugar levels normal. You can go in for sports and physical exercises, which increases the stability of the whole organism and helps to maintain a normal metabolism.
• Regular medical examination and treatment of diseases in the initial stages also reduces the risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver. If you have a hereditary predisposition or you suffer from chronic diseases, you should definitely visit a gastroenterologist and a neurologist.
• Knowing about liver cirrhosis and its prevention helps to stay healthy. Special programs for the prevention of liver diseases have been developed, which are carried out in medical institutions. Such events provide an opportunity to receive up-to-date information and practical recommendations from professionals.

Remember, in order to prevent the occurrence of cirrhosis of the liver, you need to pay attention to your diet, give up bad habits, exercise regularly, monitor your metabolism and regularly undergo medical examinations.

How to prevent the progression of liver cirrhosis

Proper nutrition. Animal fats, salt, alcohol, heavy and fatty proteins should be monitored. The diet should include more vegetables, fruits, greens, whole grains, plant-based proteins and dairy products.

Smoking cessation. Nicotine enhances liver cell destruction and supports inflammation. Therefore, to slow down the progression of liver cirrhosis, you need to reduce the amount of toxins that enter the body and forget about smoking.

Treatment of the underlying disease. Liver cirrhosis most often occurs in association with other liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis. Correct and timely treatment of the underlying disease is one of the important points in the process of slowing down the progression of liver cirrhosis.

Regular checkup with a doctor. It is important to have regular check-ups and follow-up with a doctor to detect dangerous changes during their initial stage. Early detection of cirrhosis of the liver increases the chances of a full recovery and reduces the risk of possible complications.

Avoid exposure to toxins. It is difficult to avoid exposure to toxic substances in our lives, but steps can be taken to reduce the exposure of the liver to toxins, such as using protective equipment when exposed to chemicals.

Related videos:

Q&A:

Can cirrhosis of the liver be completely cured?

Cirrhosis of the liver is an irreversible disease and cannot be completely cured. However, with timely access to a doctor and compliance with certain rules, it is possible to slow down the progression of the disease and minimize its negative consequences. In some cases, liver transplantation may be recommended, which can improve quality of life and prolong life.

Life after the victory over cirrhosis of the liver

Cirrhosis of the liver is a serious disease that requires decisive and comprehensive treatment. However, even after the development of the disease has been stopped, the patient will have to change his life in order to maintain health and quality of life.

One of the key points after the treatment of liver cirrhosis is nutrition. Patients are advised to follow a diet that excludes fatty, fried, canned, and smoked foods. It is important to include fresh vegetables and fruits, protein foods, cereals on the water, low-fat cheeses and dairy products in the diet.

Physical activity is also an important part of recovery from liver cirrhosis. Of course, it is necessary to consult with specialists and set the optimal load level depending on the state of health and the nature of the disease.

Regular medical examinations are an integral part of the patient’s life after the victory over cirrhosis of the liver. Experts recommend regular consultations with a gastroenterologist, ultrasound and MRI to monitor the condition of the liver and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

Despite the significant support of friends and relatives, psychological help may also be needed by the patient after the victory over cirrhosis of the liver. The treatment of this disease can be difficult, and the experiences and stress that arose during the illness can affect the patient’s emotional state. Feel free to contact a specialist.

Having coped with difficulties and not stopping there, the patient, after defeating liver cirrhosis, can continue an active and eventful life.

Can cirrhosis of the liver be cured?

Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic disease that develops gradually, leading to irreversible changes in the liver tissue. Unfortunately, at the moment there is no direct method for the treatment of liver cirrhosis, which would guarantee the full restoration of the health of the organ.

However, early detection and comprehensive treatment can stop the development of cirrhosis of the liver, preventing the progression of the disease and preserving the functionality of the liver.

To determine the complex of treatment, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and assess the degree of liver damage. Therapy may include medication, diet, management of complications, and management of causes that cause cirrhosis, such as alcoholism and viral infections.

An important criterion for the success of treatment is the degree of decrease in the activity of the process and the possibility of maintaining the functionality of the liver. After the course of treatment, it is desirable to lead a healthy lifestyle, preventing new damage and complications of the disease.

• Regular medical check-ups
• Quitting alcohol and nicotine
• Proper nutrition and physical activity

Disease activity may decrease to a complete cessation, but this requires patient discipline and medical supervision. Therefore, when confirming the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, at any of its stages, it is necessary to seek help from specialist doctors and strictly follow their recommendations.

Cirrhosis of the liver – symptoms, signs, treatment, causes, nutrition and stages – health articles

Cirrhosis of the liver is a serious chronic disease. According to statistics, in developed countries it is one of the six leading causes of death for people aged 35 to 60 years. In the United States, about 50,000 people die from it every year. In Russia, where the population is half that, the mortality rate from cirrhosis is comparable to American rates.*

This disease is an extensive lesion of the liver, in which the tissues of the organ die and are gradually replaced by fibrous (connective) fibers. In the process of replacement, the structure of the organ changes radically. Violation of the normal structure of the liver leads to the fact that it can no longer perform its functions. This is called liver failure.

Classification

Experts distinguish several varieties of cirrhosis of the liver. For the reasons that led to the development of the disease, the following options can be determined:

• Viral – caused, for example, by hepatitis C and various infections of the biliary tract
• Toxic – caused by the use of alcohol, certain medicines, food poisons and other substances that have a toxic effect on the body
• Congenital – represents the consequences of some diseases that the patient’s parents suffered, for example, hemochromatosis or tyrosinosis
• Congestive – its origin is due to circulatory failure
• Metabolic-alimentary – develops due to obesity, as well as in severe forms of diabetes mellitus

A group of liver cirrhosis of unclear etiology should be mentioned separately. We are talking about those cases when it is not possible to clearly determine the cause of the disease.

Causes

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the occurrence and development of cirrhosis of the liver is due to many reasons. Most often, people get sick due to alcohol abuse. According to various estimates, this cause accounts for 40-50 to 70-80% of cases.*

The next most common factor influencing the onset and development of cirrhosis is exposure to viruses. In most cases, this is hepatitis C, as well as hepatitis B.

In addition, cirrhosis is caused by:

• Diseases of the biliary tract
• Miscellaneous intoxications – e.g. chemical or medicinal
• Malnutrition – primarily chronic deficiency of vitamins and proteins in the diet

Cirrhosis caused by hereditary diseases is relatively rare. The same can be said about the disease of unclear etiology mentioned above, when it is not possible to determine the causes of its appearance.

Approximately 50% of patients with liver problems are caused by a combination of different factors. For example, doctors often find cirrhosis caused by both heavy drinking and hepatitis B.

The main peak of incidence occurs in the age group over 40 years. Approximately 70-75% of those who suffer from cirrhosis of the liver are men.

First signs and degrees of cirrhosis in adults

The first sign that a person is not all right with the liver is asthenovegetative syndrome. In this case, the patient constantly feels tired, although there is no reason for this. He feels weak, becomes irritable and reacts sharply to completely innocent words or deeds. He often has a headache.

Next, there is a so-called. dyspeptic complex of syndromes. It consists of:

• Nausea, which sometimes develops into vomiting
• Belching
• Alternating diarrhea and constipation
• Abdominal pain aggravated by fried, pickled and fatty foods, and by drinking alcohol
• Unwillingness to eat, up to complete lack of appetite for a long time
• Heaviness in the stomach
• Bloating

All of the above may indicate other diseases. Therefore, at this stage, it is far from always possible to clearly diagnose liver cirrhosis. Moreover, in about 20% of people who suffer from it, it is possible to determine the true cause of the problem only after death.

There are three stages of the disease according to severity.

• Initial – no symptoms or minimal symptoms
• Clinical – the symptoms are pronounced, and the doctor, when examining the patient, observes a typical picture of the disease
• Terminal – irreversible changes are detected, leading to death

Symptoms of liver cirrhosis

Approximately 60% of patients with liver cirrhosis symptoms are quite noticeable. The specific picture largely depends on the stage of the disease. But there are signs that are especially common.

The initial stage in most cases is not accompanied by biochemical disorders. But the disease progresses, and in the second stage, the so-called. hemorrhagic syndrome.

The main signs of hemorrhagic syndrome are:

• Bleeding gums and nose
• In women, uterine bleeding
• Hematomas (bruises) on the body, appearing for unknown reasons
• Gastric and intestinal bleeding
• Ecchymoses are pinpoint subcutaneous hemorrhages that look like a rash

In this case, the patient increasingly feels weak. Irritability is gradually replaced by apathy and indifference, there are violations of memory and attention. Sleep problems are possible: the patient suffers from insomnia at night, and feels sleepy during the day. Over time, coordination of movements is disturbed, the patient experiences problems with writing, his speech becomes less and less legible.

When examining a patient, the doctor can visually detect the following symptoms:

• Liver and spleen enlarged
• There are dilated veins and spider veins on the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity
• Yellow skin, mucous membranes and whites of the eyes

Complications

Cirrhosis of the liver can lead to various complications. This can be, for example, bleeding from varicose veins of the esophagus or pneumonia, peritonitis and other complications caused by infections. Often there are the following negative consequences:

• Hepatic coma is a disorder of the functions of the central nervous system, which manifests itself in a sharp decrease in the size of the liver, increasing drowsiness, disorientation, slowing down of thought processes and, ultimately, in the fact that the patient falls into a stupor, and then into a coma
• Thrombosis in the portal vein system – thrombi (blood clots) interfere with free blood flow in the liver, resulting in cell death
• Hepatorenal syndrome – leads to impaired renal function, especially common in those suffering from acute liver failure or alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver
• Liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma, a rapidly developing malignant tumor often associated with hepatitis C and hepatitis D

Cirrhosis of the liver itself is a dangerous disease. But if complications occur, the risk of death increases significantly. So, with hepatorenal syndrome, if you do not start treating it on time, death occurs 10-14 days after the development of this complication.

Diagnostics

Experts recommend contacting a general practitioner as soon as you think you have signs of liver cirrhosis. The doctor will refer the patient to laboratory tests. When he has the results of the tests in his hands, he will send the patient to a gastroenterologist or immediately to a doctor specializing in liver diseases – a hepatologist. In some cases, for example, if there are signs of hepatic encephalopathy, you will need to visit a neurologist. Also, when making a diagnosis, the following data are taken into account:

• History
• Visual inspection
• Diagnostic Instrumentation

The main laboratory tests that are carried out with suspicion of cirrhosis of the liver are:

• Liver Chemistry Complex – it shows how well the liver is performing its functions and helps to find out if its activity is impaired
• Complete blood count – this is done because signs of cirrhosis may be a decrease in the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes, as well as a marked decrease in hemoglobin
• Coagulogram – this should be done to find out if there are problems with blood clotting
• Fecal occult blood test helps detect hidden bleeding in the stomach and/or intestines
• Serological markers of viral hepatitis are used to clarify factors that could lead to the development of the disease
• Test for blood alpha-fetoprotein should be done if liver cancer is suspected
• The level of creatinine, electrolytes must be established to determine renal failure

Treatment of liver cirrhosis

If a patient is diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, treatment can be carried out by different methods. The choice of a specific tactic is largely determined by the stage at which the disease is located and the reasons for which it arose. Also, specialists take into account the individual characteristics of the patient. However, it is impossible to cure already formed cirrhosis. Modern medicine can only cope with the reasons for which it arose.

A radical method of treating cirrhosis is transplantation of the affected organ. It is resorted to if there is an immediate threat to the life of the patient. In all other cases, medical methods are used. As a rule, the patient should adhere to a strict diet, and in case of alcoholic cirrhosis, the intake of alcohol in the body must be eliminated. The choice of drugs depends on what kind of cirrhosis doctors have to deal with. For example:

• For viral hepatitis, antivirals are used, in particular pegylated interferons
• For biliary cirrhosis associated with insufficiency of bile acids in the intestine, drugs are used to narrow the biliary tract
• Autoimmune hepatitis can be helped by drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants)

Nutrition and diet for cirrhosis

Diet in the treatment of cirrhosis is extremely important. Proper nutrition is both an excellent option for preventing the disease, and a way to eliminate the causes that led to its occurrence. If there are no complications, the patient is prescribed a complete high-calorie diet. It necessarily contains proteins, fats and carbohydrates. However, everything that irritates the digestive organs must be excluded from the diet. First of all, these are:

• Alcohol
• Chemical additives
• Preservatives

With cirrhosis, you need to stop eating foods that are:

• Sharp
• Sour
• Spicy
• Too salty

The diet should be prescribed by a specialist who takes into account:

• Patient’s eating habits
• Individual food tolerance
• He already has diseases of the digestive system

The diet is modified if there are any complications of cirrhosis or other diseases.

To normalize the metabolic processes in the liver cells, the doctor may prescribe a vitamin complex. As for any drugs, they must be used carefully. It is worth drinking only those pills that are prescribed by specialists and for the use of which there are clear and unambiguous indications.

Advantages of the procedure at MEDSI

The treatment of cirrhosis of the liver is an important activity of the MEDSI clinic. We use effective modern techniques to eliminate the causes that influenced the onset of this disease and make the patient’s daily life more comfortable. Our clinic has a team of international doctors. She takes a comprehensive approach to solving each specific problem. Any patient is guaranteed an individual approach: the doctor selects an examination plan based on genetic factors, risk factors, comorbidities, and medications taken.

Communication with doctors begins with the diagnosis. Experienced specialists, who have the necessary laboratory equipment at their disposal, will perform tests and study their results. Fast and accurate diagnosis is ensured by the latest generation of diagnostic equipment: magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, video colonoscopy, etc.