Living with Liver cirrhosis

People in their life have numerous diseases. Some are mild and preventable but others are incurable and life-threatening. Liver cirrhosis is a medical ailment that is lethal for patient.  Cirrhosis of the liver leads to scarring of the liver which results in atypical liver function and patient suffer from chronic (long-term) liver injury. 

There are many reasons of 'scarring' of the liver (cirrhosis). The most common cause is consuming heavy alcohol and infection with the hepatitis C virus.

Other causes of having live cirrhosis are as under:

- Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus.

- Blockage of the bile ducts can cause back pressure and damage to the liver cells.

- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This is a condition in which fat is build up in the liver. This results in scarring and cirrhosis.

- Severe reactions to certain medicines.

Symptoms of cirrhosis:

-Tiredness and weakness.

-Fluid which outflows from the bloodstream and builds up in the legs (oedema) and tummy (abdomen). It is known as ascites in medical term.

-Loss of appetite. Patient feels sick, nausea.

-Weight loss.

-There is a tendency to bleed and discolouration easily.

-Yellow pigmentation of the skin or the whiteness of the eyes. Patient may grip into jaundice because of high level of bilirubin.

-Itching in the body due to a build-up of toxins.

-Patients that have cirrhosis of liver may show some mental problems such as confusion, forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. It may be due to severe cases as toxins build up in the bloodstream and affect the brain.

Diagnosis of cirrhosis:

Gastroenterologists deal with liver cirrhosis cases. A consultant may diagnosis this serious medical problem through symptoms and a physical examination. A doctor may detect that patient’s liver is enlarged or that he/she is retaining fluid in the body. If patient is consuming heavy alcohol, consultant may easily detect that it is the case of liver cirrhosis.

Generally, doctors recommend blood test for abnormal liver function. They asked the patient to go for LFT (Liver function tests).

-To diagnose live cirrhosis, doctors conduct an ultrasound scan or a CT scan or MRI scan. It may show that patients have a damaged liver.

-A small sample (biopsy) of the liver may be taken to be looked at under the microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for cirrhosis:

People with Liver (cirrhosis) breathe under fear as it has no possible cure.

Liver cirrhosis tends to get gradually worse if the original cause persists and is not well treated. Generally, once the liver is damage and the scarring is developed, it is irreversible.

Doctors do their best give treatment so that they can prevent further liver scarring or to slow the development of the scarring process.

Patients have to make some lifestyle changes to lessen the severity of cirrhosis.

Normal treatments are as under.

-Patients must immediately stop drinking alcohol

-When patients are taking any medicines for other health issues, they must be cautious and take medicines under the guidance of their consultant.

Lifestyle changes and home remedy:

Some tips are mentioned below for lifestyle changes:

-patients must consume a low-sodium diet. It is recommended to take herbs for seasoning food rather than salt.

-Always take meals that nutritious. Cirrhosis results in malnutrition and loss of muscle. To defend this deterioration, and maintain good health, balanced diet is required. They cab take fruits and vegetables. It is good to choose lean protein, such as legumes, poultry or fish. Avoid raw seafood.

-Any infection may worsen the condition due to weak immune system therefore it is better to avoid infections. Patients must be careful while traveling, staying in hotel or moving in any public places such as do not use towels in hotels, wash hands frequently. Also, get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, influenza, and pneumonia.

-Patients are recommended to use over-the-counter medications cautiously. It is better to avoid drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

People normally are dreadful when they hear about liver cirrhosis as it is the last stage of numerous chronic liver diseases. The worst part of this illness is that it is irreversible in its advanced stages. There is no such treatment for cirrhosis. People can extend their life through lifestyle changes. Due to advanced medical science, liver transplantation is the only option in a selected subgroup of patients with last stage of disease. Preventive programs and early management of these conditions are reflected developing health issue.

In this life threatening condition, persons must develop courage to enhance their mental strength as attendants are also depressed. To maintain good family health, patients must strictly follow the advice of consultant. It may extend their life and miracles are always possible in this corporal world. Though medical science is advancing speedily but still it is in embryonic stage. If patients have supreme will power, have high moral thoughts and desire to live with their beloved ones, they can accept the challenge of this deadly medical condition.