Liver cirrhosis: Complications, and prevention

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Extract from the article: The complications of cirrhosis, even if compensated, are multiple, severe, disabling, and even fatal....

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Complications

The complications of cirrhosis, even if compensated, are multiple, severe, disabling, and even fatal. The liver affected by cirrhosis develops fatty cells and necrosis in some areas. The consequences of cirrhosis are liver failure, portal hypertension, a pre-cancerous state, and ascites, which is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. After digestion, the blood leaving the small intestine and supposed to flow into the liver before passing into other organs cannot find a passage to the liver since it has become hardened (cirrhosis). Since blood consists of cells and water, water exits the veins and accumulates in the abdomen. Hepatocellular carcinoma (one of the liver cancers) can develop on a liver altered by cirrhosis after 15 to 20 years: it is said that cirrhosis "sets the stage for cancer."

Are there treatments for cirrhosis?

When cirrhosis is suspected, the patient is referred to a specialist (hepatogastroenterologist) who will prescribe the necessary tests and examinations for the initial assessment. Treating the cause and any complications of cirrhosis is the basis of disease management, and eliminating aggravating factors is essential for treatment (systematic cessation of alcohol consumption, drugs, and certain medications such as acetaminophen, controlling overweight, avoiding junk food, walking, proper diabetes control). Sports are strictly prohibited for those suffering from liver disease, as the diseased liver tires more quickly and can suffocate.

 

Is it possible to cure cirrhosis?

In general, the liver damage that characterizes cirrhosis is permanent. Although rare cases of regression have been observed, cirrhosis cannot be cured except through liver transplantation. However, its progression can be slowed down or stopped, thus avoiding some serious complications. Therefore, it is important to know as soon as possible if one has cirrhosis and to do everything possible to protect liver health. Stay in touch with your healthcare professional even after undergoing treatment for viral hepatitis. Even if the infection has been treated, there is still an increased risk of liver cancer.

Protecting the liver from cirrhosis

Opt for lemon, orange, pineapple, parsley, green vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, green beans), beetroot, carrot, green tea, garlic, onion. Dried and smoked fish such as sole, grouper, and mackerel are foods to consume to protect the liver. A person with a diseased liver should completely avoid alcohol, fat, salt, sugar, and the consumption of processed foods: deli meats (ham, sausages), cheeses, white bread, pastries, and cakes, as their high glycemic index and starch content tire the liver, as well as energy and carbonated drinks.

Article validated by Mr. Mathieu Tobossi Kponou, Expert in Phytohepatology

Raymond DZAKPATA