When symptoms of cirrhosis go unnoticed or untreated, it can lead to serious complications and can be fatal. Since cirrhosis is generally a progressive disease, early diagnosis and treatment is of great importance. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, limiting alcohol consumption, exercising regularly and following a healthy diet can slow the progression of cirrhosis and reduce the risk of complications.
What is cirrhosis?
We can answer the question of what cirrhosis is:
Cirrhosis is a disease that causes progressive and permanent damage to the liver. Healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, which impairs liver function. Cirrhosis represents the final stage of liver diseases and is irreversible. For the answer to What causes cirrhosis:
- alcohol use
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- fatty liver disease
- Obesity
- autoimmune hepatitis
- hereditary diseases
What are the symptoms of cirrhosis?
As cirrhosis progresses, the following symptoms of cirrhosis may occur:
- Tiredness
- Anorexia
- Nausea and vomiting
- weight loss
- abdominal swelling
- Swelling in legs and ankles
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- itchy skin
- easy bleeding
- confusion
How is cirrhosis treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cirrhosis. However, depending on the underlying cause, various treatments can be applied to stop its progression and manage complications:
- If alcohol use is the cause of cirrhosis, alcohol should be avoided completely.
- If hepatitis B or C virus is the cause of cirrhosis, antiviral medications may be used.
- If obesity is the cause of cirrhosis, weight loss and healthy nutrition are important.
- Various medications can be used to prevent and treat complications of cirrhosis.
- If cirrhosis is advanced and liver failure occurs, liver transplantation is the only treatment option.
- It is important to get hepatitis A and B vaccines.
- Patients with cirrhosis should definitely avoid alcohol.
- It is important to follow a balanced and nutritious diet to help the liver heal.
- It is important to practice good hygiene to prevent infections.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical problem, please consult your doctor.