Cirrhosis of the Liver

What are the cirrhosis of the liver stages, and what life expectancy can one expect in the final stage?” Many patients often ask this question when they are first diagnosed with cirrhosis. The various stages of cirrhosis of the liver are:

Cirrhosis of the liver stage 1
Cirrhosis of the liver stage 2
Cirrhosis of the liver stage 3
Cirrhosis of the liver stage 4
Cirrhosis of the liver stage 5
Cirrhosis of the liver stage 6

In the early stages of cirrhosis, your liver tends to swell. As the disease progresses, healthy tissue is slowly replaced by scar tissue and the liver shrinks. It is very important that disease is diagnosed in the early stages as there are many treatments that help control the disease. As the disease progresses to the last stages, it is found that there are some treatments are not effective.

It is best to regularly keep contact with your doctor who will suggest a treatment plan based on your symptoms.

Cirrhosis of the Liver Symptoms

The cirrhosis of the liver symptoms and treatment varies from person to person. Among cirrhosis of the liver symptoms, itching is common. The skin begins to dry up as there is inadequate fluid circulation in the patient’s body. For those with cirrhosis of the liver, symptoms such as itching should be taken very seriously. Scratching this type of skin can be unsafe as it might cause a wound. Another common among cirrhosis of the liver symptoms is pain. Many people suffering from cirrhosis complain of abdominal pain. Pain in the right upper quadrant occurs when cirrhosis is an acute stage or at the time of a flare-up. Cirrhosis of the liver symptoms such as pain is usually due to irritation, acute inflammation, and distention of the surface of the liver. Cirrhosis of the liver symptoms and dangers should not be neglected as cirrhosis involves scarring and inflammation of the liver and this damage may be irreversible. Other symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver are yellowing of your skin, swelling of abdomen and legs, tarry stools, disorientation and memory loss, spidery red marks appearing on the patient’s arms, chest, and face. To sum up, cirrhosis of the liver symptoms and diagnosis should be taken seriously as when the disease progresses, it might be fatal.

Cirrhosis of the Liver Prognosis

In the final stage of liver damage, liver failure occurs. An end stage cirrhosis of the liver prognosis calls for a liver transplant. This usually happens when treatment cannot control the complications. Advanced cirrhosis of the liver prognosis is also characterized by neurological and mental symptoms. In the case of alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, prognosis indicates that most alcoholics have a number of nutritional deficiencies. This is because most alcoholics consume less mineral and vitamin rich food.
No matter what the end stage cirrhosis of the liver prognosis is, it becomes difficult to manage the disease as it advances. This is because cirrhosis of the liver causes a number of complications. It is seen that people suffering from cirrhosis of the liver also have elevated blood pressure or portal hypertension that drains into their liver. This could cause further complications in the patient’s esophagus and stomach. Once a person has cirrhosis, the scar doesn’t go away. It is, however important, to treat the cause as it will help the cirrhosis from worsening.

Cirrhosis of the Liver Treatment

Damage done to your liver cannot be reversed, but you can prevent further damage by choosing from the cirrhosis of the liver treatment options available. The best thing you can do to prevent further damage is stop drinking alcohol. Also make sure you monitor your consumption of medications and drugs. Anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal) can also worsen the condition so make sure you stay away from them.
As part of your cirrhosis of the liver cure and treatment plan, eat plenty of vegetables and fruits and try and restrict your fat intake. In many cases of cirrhosis of the liver, herbal treatment is found to be extremely beneficial. Here are a few additional cirrhosis of the liver treatment guidelines that you can keep in mind while looking for cirrhosis of the liver cure and treatment plan.
There are certain minerals and vitamins that help your liver recuperate faster and restore your liver’s function. Check with your doctor as to which supplements are good for your liver.
Try to go as natural as possible and avoid drastic measures that introduce drugs and chemicals to your body.
Always consult your doctor before you take any over-the-counter prescriptions as many vitamins and medication can affect liver function.

Cirrhosis of the Liver Diet

The cirrhosis of the liver diet plan forms an integral part of the treatment. Your diet should include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits as well as cereals and whole grains. Depending on the degree of cirrhosis, some people need to follow a cirrhosis diet plan that will provide them all the minerals and fat soluble vitamins that their body may need. A person suffering from cirrhosis of the liver should completely avoid high-fat foods and alcohol. Here are some cirrhosis of the liver dietary guidelines that you can follow.

Your cirrhosis of the liver diet plan should include recipes that have a low salt content. Make sure you avoid processed foods, fast foods, and prepackaged foods. A good option is to eat home cooked foods that are flavored with healthy spices and herbs.
Restrict your intake of fatty foods. Patients suffering from cirrhosis of liver find it difficult to process and digest fat.
As part of cirrhosis of the liver diet treatment cut down on your sugar intake. Avoid foods such as pastries, cookies, cakes and chocolates.
Your protein intake should not be excessive but just adequate. Minimize your consumption of poultry, meat and eggs.
Consult a good dietician and chalk out a diet plan that is suited to you and the stage of your liver cirrhosis. Also, never make any drastic changes to your diet without consulting a doctor.

Submitted on January 16, 2014