Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a permanent scar that damages the liver and affects its function. It can lead to liver failure. Cirrhosis is the result of years of persistent liver damage. Alcohol and drugs, viruses, and metabolic factors are the most common causes.
How common is cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is relatively common and is a significant cause of hospitalization and death, especially after middle age. This is because it develops gradually over time. In the United States, cirrhosis affects about 0.25% of adults and about 0.50% of adults aged 45 to 54. Every year, about 26,000 people in the United States die from cirrhosis, and the rate is rising. Cirrhosis is a global health problem. (Source: https://tinyurl.com/57tzfwm9)
What are the first symptoms of cirrhosis?
▸Early signs and symptoms of cirrhosis may include:
▸Nausea or loss of appetite.
▸Feeling weak or tired (fatigue).
▸Feeling unwell (malaise).
▸Pain in the upper abdomen (especially on the right side).
▸ Visible blood vessels that look like spiders (spider angiomas).
▸ Redness in the palms (rubella).
What causes cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is a gradual scarring that is triggered by chronic inflammation of the liver. Any chronic liver disease that causes chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis. The most common causes include:
▸ Alcoholic hepatitis. This is chronic liver damage caused by long-term heavy drinking. Alcohol is probably the best-known cause of cirrhosis, but non-alcoholic causes are also common.
▸ Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. This is chronic damage caused by excess fat storage in the liver. It is associated with metabolic factors such as high blood fats, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
▸ Chronic hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that becomes chronic in most people. It is now treatable with antiviral medications, but many people do not realize they have the disease.
▸ Chronic hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can become chronic in a small number of people. If so, you will have the disease for life. It can be treated, but it cannot be cured.
What are some risk factors for this disease?
You may be at higher risk for cirrhosis if you:
▸ Are over 50 years old.
▸ Have a history of alcohol abuse.
▸ Have chronic viral hepatitis.
▸ Have metabolic syndrome.
Can cirrhosis be reversed or cured?
Cirrhosis causes permanent scarring of the liver that can't be removed. While the liver is usually very good at healing, cirrhosis is a stage of the disease when the liver doesn't have enough healthy cells to heal itself. But you may be able to slow or stop cirrhosis from progressing. It depends on the cause, how treatable it is, and how you respond to treatment.
Treatment of cirrhosis includes:
Managing the cause, if possible, to slow or reduce damage.
General diet and lifestyle measures to reduce stress on the liver.
Managing or screening for complications of cirrhosis.
As a last resort, a liver transplant.
Diet and lifestyle
Even if your liver disease was caused by something else, eliminating alcohol and drugs that damage your liver can help your liver live longer. The same goes for metabolic stressors. Healthcare providers recommend that anyone with any type of liver disease try to eat a healthy diet and be at a healthy weight. Additionally, some people may need dietary supplements to treat nutritional deficiencies.
LIVING
How can I take care of myself while living with cirrhosis?
You can help prolong the life of your liver by:
▸Eat healthy, whole foods and lean protein.
▸Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and over-the-counter medications as much as possible.
▸Take medications only as directed, and discuss all medications with your provider.
▸Adhere to regular health care appointments and screenings for complications.
All kinds of people get cirrhosis for all kinds of reasons. While it's often linked to long-term alcohol use, you can also get cirrhosis from conditions you don't know about or can't control. Many people don't know their liver is suffering until they develop symptoms of decompensated cirrhosis. Once you know, cirrhosis is a serious wake-up call. But there is hope. Many liver diseases are treatable with lifestyle changes and medications. Even if you have permanent scarring, if you can stop the damage, you can stop the progression of liver disease.
