What are the Best Treatment Options for Cirrhosis of the Liver?

Liver cirrhosis is a late-stage disease and occurs when healthy tissue is replaced with scar tissue. The scar tissue prevents the liver from functioning normally, impairing the patient’s health.

The body is susceptible to numerous illnesses. Some diseases are hereditary and may be passed on to the next generation by parents. But many result from an unhealthy lifestyle, diet, and habits imperative to health.

What is the Best Treatment for Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is one such disease that is caused by excessive consumption of alcohol and other conditions like hepatitis and fatty liver disease. Cirrhosis is a disease of the liver. Unfortunately, liver cirrhosis cannot be cured, a liver transplant may be the only liver cirrhosis treatment option. But undergoing liver treatment in Delhi at a reputed hospital like BLK-Max can reduce further liver damage.

Tips to Get Rid of Cirrhosis of Liver

1. Follow a Liver-Friendly Diet

A balanced liver diet can significantly reduce the strain:

• Increase fruits and vegetables: Opt for leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits.
• Choose lean proteins: Include fish, poultry, tofu, and legumes.
• Limit sodium: Avoid salty snacks and processed foods to prevent fluid retention.
• Avoid refined sugars: Substitute with natural sweeteners like honey.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

2. Avoid Alcohol Completely

Alcohol consumption is one of the primary causes of liver damage. If you have cirrhosis, abstaining from alcohol is crucial to prevent further deterioration.

3. Manage Hepatitis B or C and Fatty Liver Disease

Conditions like hepatitis B or C and fatty liver disease can exacerbate cirrhosis. Consult your doctor for:

• Antiviral treatments for hepatitis.
• Medications to reduce liver inflammation.
• Weight management plans if obesity is a concern.

4. Take Prescribed Medications Regularly

Follow your healthcare provider’s advice on medications that:

• Reduce liver inflammation.
• Prevent complications like hepatic encephalopathy.
• Control fluid retention through diuretics.

5. Get Regular Check-Ups

Frequent monitoring can help track the progression of cirrhosis and detect complications early. Tests may include:

• Liver function tests.
• Ultrasounds to monitor scarring and potential tumors.
• Endoscopy to check for varices in the esophagus.

6. Vaccinations

Protect your liver by getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, as well as other infections like influenza and pneumococcal diseases.

7. Limit Over-the-Counter Medications

Some drugs, including acetaminophen and NSAIDs, can worsen liver damage. Always consult your doctor before taking any new medication.

8. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity helps in managing weight and reducing fat accumulation in the liver. Engage in:

• Moderate aerobic exercises like walking or swimming.
• Strength training twice a week to build muscle mass.

9. Avoid Toxins

Limit exposure to chemicals such as cleaning products, insecticides, and industrial fumes. Use gloves and masks when handling these substances.

10. Consider Liver Transplant Evaluation

For severe cases of cirrhosis, where liver function is critically impaired, a liver transplant might be the only viable solution. Discuss this option with your healthcare provider.

Treatments for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis is a serious condition wherein the body’s immune system damages the liver. This disease targets the bile duct, which aids the flow of digestive fluid from the liver to the body’s other organs like the intestine and gallbladder. People who are suffering from primary biliary cirrhosis are treated with ursodiol. Though ursodiol is very effective in treating the disease, it has specific side effects. These include:

• Dizziness
• Back pain
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Fast heartbeat

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the fastest way to cure cirrhosis of the liver?

People who have cirrhosis need to take precautions to ensure no further damage to the liver. These are:

• Excessive salt can harm your liver and overall health. So, eat food that has low sodium.
• It is important to avoid alcohol. If you cannot give up alcohol, limit its consumption.
• Protect yourself from infections.
• Eat a healthy diet that comprises fruits and vegetables.
• The doctor may also suggest medicine for liver cirrhosis.

2. What are the four stages of cirrhosis?

• Stage 1: In this stage, there are no complications, but the liver experiences some scarring.
• Stage 2: Sees the development of varices.
• Stage 3: There is swelling in the abdomen. Liver scarring also enters an advanced stage.
• Stage 4: Is fatal and sees the development of end-stage liver disease.

To overcome the problem, doctors perform a liver transplant. It is necessary to get good liver cirrhosis treatment from BLK-Max when the disease is in its initial stages.

3. What are the signs that cirrhosis of the liver is getting worse?

Symptoms that indicate that cirrhosis is getting worse include:

• Itchy skin
• The skin becomes yellow
• The buildup of fat leading to swollen legs
• Urine is dark
• Vomiting blood
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite

4. What are the main causes of liver cirrhosis?

Some causes that can lead to liver cirrhosis include:

• Genetic digestive disorder
• Cystic fibrosis
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Hardening of bile ducts
• Infections
• Certain medications
• Body experiencing iron build-up
• Chronic viral hepatitis
• Accumulation of fat in the liver

5. Is cirrhosis curable?

Cirrhosis is not curable, but its progression can be slowed, and complications can be managed with the right lifestyle and medical interventions.

6. Can a healthy lifestyle reverse cirrhosis?

While lifestyle changes cannot reverse scarring, they can prevent further liver damage and improve overall health.

7. What foods should I avoid?

Avoid processed foods, fried items, alcohol, and high-sodium meals to protect your liver.