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Liver Cirrhosis: Nowadays, due to bad eating habits, we start getting many types of diseases, in such a situation, we also start getting liver-related problems. In today's time, cases of liver cirrhosis are increasing rapidly. In such a situation, today we will learn about it in detail from Dr. Vishal Khurana (Director- Gastroenterology, Doctor 81 Clinic, Sector 81 Faridabad).
Dr. Vishal Khurana Liver cirrhosis is a serious and slow-growing disease in which healthy liver cells are destroyed and fibrosis forms in their place. This change badly affects the functions of the liver, which can lead to liver failure. The liver works to remove toxic substances from the body, make proteins, and help in blood clotting. In such a situation, if cirrhosis is not treated on time, it can be fatal.
Causes of Liver Cirrhosis-
There are many causes of liver cirrhosis, the most common of which are:
1. Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol for a long time damages the liver, causing damage to the liver cells and scarring.
2. Hepatitis B and C: These viruses cause inflammation in the liver and can lead to cirrhosis if not treated timely.
3. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): This disease is becoming common in people suffering from obesity and diabetes, in which fat gets accumulates in the liver, and inflammation and scars start appearing in the liver.
4. Autoimmune disease: In this, the body's immune system attacks the liver cells, causing damage to the liver.
5. Wilson's disease: This is a rare disease in which too much copper gets accumulated in the body, especially in the liver. This extra copper damages the liver and can lead to cirrhosis.
6. Medicines and toxic substances: Long-term use of certain medicines and exposure to toxic substances can also cause liver cirrhosis.
Recognize the symptoms-
Initially, there are no symptoms of liver cirrhosis because the liver still keeps on functioning, but when the disease progresses, some common symptoms occur:
- 1. Fatigue and weakness: The person often feels tired and does not feel like eating
- 2. Weight loss: Weight loss for no apparent reason, which could be due to loss of appetite or vomiting
- 3. Swelling in the legs and abdomen: When the liver does not function properly, there is swelling in the legs and abdomen
- 4. Jaundice: The skin and eyes turn yellow because the liver cannot clear bilirubin
- 5. Bleeding and bruising: The liver cannot produce blood-clotting proteins, which increases the chances of bleeding and bruising
Methods of treatment of cirrhosis-
The treatment of cirrhosis depends on the cause and stage of the disease. Some of the treatment methods are as follows:
- 1. Stop drinking alcohol: If alcohol is the cause of cirrhosis, it is very important to quit it immediately
- 2. Antiviral medicines: If the cause of cirrhosis is hepatitis, antiviral medicines can help reduce liver inflammation.
- 3. Manage fatty liver disease: For patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, controlling diabetes, losing weight, and monitoring cholesterol can help prevent further damage to the liver
- 4. Steroids and immunosuppressants: Immunosuppressants are used to reduce inflammation in autoimmune hepatitis.
- 5. Liver Transplant: When the liver stops functioning completely, a liver transplant may be required.
Preventive measures-
To avoid cirrhosis, it is important to stay away from factors that damage the liver. Reduce alcohol consumption, get vaccinated against hepatitis, maintain a healthy weight, and get your liver checked regularly. Timely identification and proper treatment can reduce the risk of cirrhosis.
