Liver cirrhosis is one of the most dangerous diseases, as if untreated it can cause a person to die. During such a disease, the connective tissue of the organ grows, forming scars. At the same time, there is an increased destruction of hepatocytes, a decrease in the functionality of the liver, as well as a violation of the connection between the bile ducts and intestines, which is fraught with a violation of the process of digestion and absorption of food.
Cirrhosis of the liver: causes . In fact, there are many causes of this kind of disease. As a rule, cirrhosis begins to develop against the background of other diseases, for example, scarring of tissues or inflammatory processes in the liver. In addition, severe poisoning, for example, with alcohol, drugs or some metals that can accumulate in the tissues of this organ, can also become the cause. Sometimes a disease begins to develop as a result of a severe infection, for example, hepatitis, or as a result of congenital pathologies.
Cirrhosis of the liver: symptoms . In some cases, the development of this disease may be hidden and not cause any symptoms for many years. The most characteristic feature is jaundice, which is accompanied by yellowing of the skin, as well as the protein of the eyes, which is due to too much bilirubin pigment in human blood.
A person constantly feels tired and weak, gradually losing his appetite. Cirrhosis leads to disruption of blood coagulation processes. That is why a sick person has bruises and bruises go away for a very long time. If the disease is caused by alcohol poisoning, then a characteristic network of small blood vessels is visible on the patient's skin.
Cirrhosis can cause many health complications. For example, during an illness in the body, the balance of salts and water is greatly disturbed, which leads to severe edema. At first, only the limbs swell, but gradually the water begins to accumulate in the abdominal cavity. This condition creates an excellent environment for the propagation of pathogenic microbes that cause dangerous infectious diseases. In addition, scarring of liver tissue can lead to internal bleeding, which is accompanied by bloody vomiting, severe pain and loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver . To diagnose the disease, the results of a blood test are used. In addition, the doctor performs a palpation of the liver. For additional examination, ultrasound methods are also used, sometimes computed tomography is performed. Nevertheless, the most accurate diagnostic method today is considered to be a liver biopsy, during which samples of affected tissues are taken for analysis. This helps to make a final diagnosis, as well as determine the stage of development of the disease.
Cirrhosis of the liver: treatment . All methods of conservative treatment are aimed at stopping the scarring process and at least partially restore the functioning of the liver. In addition, treatment of complications arises.
The patient is strictly contraindicated in taking narcotic drugs, alcohol, as well as non-steroidal drugs that stop inflammation. In addition, vitamin therapy is carried out, since the human body needs to strengthen immunity and normalize metabolic processes.
The diet for cirrhosis of the liver should also be correct and correspond to the form and stage of the disease. For example, if the processes of urea synthesis are not disturbed in any way, then the patient needs protein food. In the event that the processes of neutralization of ammonia are still impaired, the amount of protein must be reduced or eliminated altogether. Fats in the patient's diet should be of plant origin. As for the carbons, they must be easily absorbed.
Unfortunately, treatment and diet are not always able to help. In this case, doctors prescribe a liver transplant, if possible.