Is cirrhosis curable or not? Unfortunately, this disease cannot be completely cured. You can only stop its development and escape from complications. Cirrhosis develops over the years, and this process can manifest itself through a huge number of symptoms. Therefore, it makes sense to any person at least once a year to undergo a diagnosis of internal organs. Thus, it is possible to prevent the development of the disease, and in case of its occurrence, to prevent it from taking threatening forms.
Is cirrhosis curable or not?
In the case of the diagnosis of cirrhosis in the early stages, there is every opportunity to stop the development of the disease. This will help compliance with diet, treatment courses and systematic diagnostics to monitor the condition of the body. Compliance with fairly simple rules for cirrhosis makes it possible to live a long and full life.
In cases where the disease is in its final stages and has taken life-threatening forms, liver transplantation can help. Thus, the question "Will cirrhosis of the liver be cured?" remains open for now. And modern medicine has not yet created medicines that could completely cure the disease.
Stages of liver cirrhosis
This disease develops very slowly. The process can last for years, and the absence of pronounced symptoms at an early stage complicates the timely detection of the disease. Therefore, people with liver cirrhosis should remember the need for periodic checks, especially if general symptoms appear, such as weakness, loss of appetite.
In total, 3 stages of disease progression are distinguished:
- Stage of compensation. It can manifest itself with various unsystematic symptoms. Or there are no signs of the appearance and development of the disease. This is due to the fact that at this stage the destruction of the liver is minimal, and healthy cells are able to compensate for the appearance of patients with increased work.
- Stage of subcompensation. Most often, the first symptoms of cirrhosis appear at this stage. This is due to the appearance of a larger number of affected areas and the inability of healthy cells to do all the work. Since the human liver is no longer working at full strength, a feeling of weakness, weight loss, lack of appetite and discomfort in the liver are characteristic.
- Stage of decompensation. It is characterized by the most pernicious and pronounced symptoms that cirrhosis of the liver can take. Can he be cured or not at this stage? Unfortunately, at this stage there is a serious threat to the patient's life. And the main task of medicine in this case is the maximum slowdown in the development of the disease. Moreover, treatment should be carried out under the constant supervision of doctors.
Symptoms of liver cirrhosis
Almost all the symptoms of the disease appear at the stage of subcompensation.
- Constant fatigue, weakness. Feeling sleepy and a general decrease in body tone.
- Loss of appetite, and consequently, a decrease in body weight.
- Itchy skin, especially at night.
- Blush palms.
- The appearance of jaundice is possible. Most likely for the decompensation stage.
- The appearance of spider veins on the skin.
- The occurrence of weak blood coagulability. In case of wounds or cuts, blood is difficult to stop.
Causes of the disease
- Alcohol. The most common reason cirrhosis occurs. About 30% of people who drink alcohol every day, get sick with this disease for 2-3 years.
- Hepatitis B or C. The long-term course of these hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis.
- Heredity. In some cases, people have the ability to excessly absorb copper and iron from food. Over time, the accumulation of these substances leads to the onset of the disease.
- Cryptogenic cirrhosis. Medicine does not yet know the causes of this type of cirrhosis, however, it develops very quickly, and liver transplantation becomes the only treatment option.
- Medication. Excessive and thoughtless use of medications leads to liver damage.
- Primary biliary cirrhosis. It is caused by blocking the bile ducts in the liver, which is due to malfunctions in the immune system.
Diagnostics
- External examination, palpation of the liver.
- A blood test for hepatitis.
- Ultrasound of the internal organs.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Computed tomography (CT) scan.
- Liver biopsy.
Treatment of liver cirrhosis
Methods and treatment programs largely depend on the stage of cirrhosis and the general condition of the patient. It is aimed at stopping liver damage and preventing complications.
General recommendations for all patients include a strict diet and a complete rejection of alcohol. It is also necessary to undergo a systematic examination. Following all the doctor's instructions makes it possible to protect the body from all the troubles that cirrhosis of the liver causes. "Cure or not cirrhosis?" - the question is not so relevant. It is important to diagnose, stop and prevent the development of complications in time for the disease.