How to Treat Cirrhosis
posted by: Rio Dianne
The human body’s liver is one of the most important organs of the body. However, with a lot of people taking their health for granted and engaging in a lot of stressful activities, the liver is among the body parts that get easily damaged making it literally soaking up in punishment. Apparently, there are a lot of liver diseases that can occur to an individual. Depending on the virus that gets on them, the diseases can be Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, etc. Once these diseases have created scarring to the liver, it can lead to a serious condition known as cirrhosis. It can even progress to other complications like liver cancer, ascites, and esophageal varices.
Causes of Cirrhosis
- Alcoholism
- Hepatitis
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (e.g. obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol levels)
- Biliary cirrhosis
- Cardiac Cirrhosis
- Inherited and autoimmune disorders like psoriasis
- Excessive intake of OTC and prescription medicines
Symptoms of the Disease
Oftentimes, the condition is asymptomatic during the early stage. However, once it has developed to later stages, the following symptoms may occur:
- Yellowish discoloration of the skin (Jaundice)
- Fluid accumulation in the legs (edema) and the abdomen (ascites)
- Small red spots on the skin (Spider angiomas)
- Bleeding for the digestive tract
- Abdominal pain, tenderness, and discomfort
- Unintentional weight loss and muscle wasting
- Palm redness (Palmar erythema)
- Itching
- Fatigue
- Confusion
Now that you know what the causes and symptoms are of the disease, we’ll try to give some highlights on how to treat cirrhosis. Find out what ways you can take on how to cure the condition. So, continue reading on.
How to Cure Cirrhosis
Unfortunately, there isn’t any cure to the condition since the condition itself is irreversible; the goal of treatment though revolves about reducing its progression and treating complications that may develop. First of all, lifestyle modification is suggested to sufferers of the disease. One should abstain from alcohol intake as it can aggravate the condition. Moreover, diet should be modified as well. It should contain vitamins and minerals to strengthen the body’s defense system. The patient should limit protein and sodium intake. Proper supplementation should also be given to aid in optimal function of the liver, but it should be consulted to your doctor to prevent further damage to the body part. You should also avoid deinking plenty of fluids as it can cause fluid retention thus making the matter worse. Antibiotics, diuretics, corticosteroids, beta blockers, etc. may be prescribed by your physician to reduce the symptoms related to the condition.
Cirrhosis Prognosis
Prognosis and life expectancy is oftentimes unpredictable in this case. If the situation has been treated at its earliest stages, and all causes have been eliminated, then chances of survival may be high compared to those who are in their advanced stages.
Now, that you’ve gathered facts and learned that there aren’t actually much you can do on how to treat cirrhosis, it’s never too late. Give your liver some thought every time you raise a glass and go out partying endlessly. Hope this has helped!
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