Characteristics and stages of development of liver cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a pathology in which normal cells are replaced by scar tissue. This leads to the fact that the organ is unable to function normally. Toxins and bile accumulate in the liver, poisoning the entire body. In most cases, the disease is diagnosed in middle-aged Liver cirrhosis is a serious disease that requires severe and long-term treatment. However, the causes of this pathology can be completely different factors, many of which are amenable to, if not treatment, then control.

Characteristics and stages of development of liver cirrhosis

This lesion is the final stage of various chronic liver diseases. This diagnosis is made when pathological changes in the cells of an organ (hepatocytes) become irreversible. With cirrhosis, hepatocytes die as a result of the inflammatory process, and fibrous (connective) tissue forms in their place. In general, this process can be called immune-inflammatory. As a result, the structure of the liver is seriously damaged.

The destruction of hepatocytes is an extremely dangerous process, since these cells perform many important functions: they participate in metabolic processes and secretory activity (secretion of bile and processed substances into the intestine), neutralize toxins and other harmful substances. As a result, the liver ceases to perform its functions in full: harmful substances enter the circulatory system, causing intoxication of the body.

Liver cirrhosis has a staged course. Each stage differs in the degree of pathological changes, symptoms and necessary treatment.

The first stage has practically no symptoms, since the disease is compensated. Blood tests are characterized by a decrease in the level of bilirubin, as well as a decrease in the prothrombin index to 60–80 units. In this case, the inflammatory processes have already begun and the dead hepatocytes are replaced by connective tissue.

At the second stage of the disease, the first nonspecific symptoms begin to appear: weakness, apathy, headaches, nausea and diarrhea, poor appetite, discomfort in the right hypochondrium, nosebleeds and bleeding gums. In men, baldness and enlargement of the mammary glands are possible. Hepatic encephalopathy and ascites begin to appear. This stage is called subcompensated cirrhosis, since the disease can still be returned to the compensation stage.

This is followed by the terminal stage, at which encephalopathy and ascites progress, the skin becomes yellowish, muscle atrophy and anemia are observed. This stage is dangerous with the development of serious complications that can lead to death. These complications include hepatic coma, portal vein thrombosis, liver cancer, internal bleeding, and infectious complications.

Treament of Cirrhosis

Treatment of cirrhosis is a lengthy process, and it is not so much a treatment as a secondary prevention. At the same time, a special diet, hepatoprotective drugs and a complex of vitamins are prescribed, intake of hepatotoxic drugs, alcohol is excluded. In general, the formed cirrhosis of the liver is an irreversible condition and is considered incurable. Etiotropic therapy for most forms of liver cirrhosis is currently absent, with the exception of viral hepatitis, in which antiviral drugs can be prescribed.

Diet

With liver diseases, patients are usually prescribed diet, aimed at normalizing the functions of the organ and improving bile secretion. Food should be taken in small portions 5-6 times a day, while fried and fatty foods should be completely excluded. Preference should be given to boiled and steamed food. Be sure to drink enough water - at least 1.5 liters per day. You should completely avoid alcohol. The amount of protein is limited to a hundred grams per day, salt - 10 grams per day. With ascites, salt-free diet is prescribed.

Prohibited foods:

any chemical food additives, including canned food;

fried, salted, pickled, smoked;

confectionery, chocolate, ice cream;

animal fats, margarine, fatty meats and meat broth;

salty cheeses, dairy products with high fat content;

legumes, radish, spinach, radish, sorrel, garlic, onion;

sour fruits and berries;

sugary carbonated drinks, strong tea and coffee.

Homeopathic Medicines

However, one should not forget that homeopathy as such is not recognized by official evidence-based medicine, and its methods do not undergo serious clinical trials. Until now, there is no strong evidence that it works due to the declared beneficial components, and not due to the placebo effect. Not all homeopathic patients report an improvement in their well-being. In any case, homeopathic liver treatment is a long process, taking more than one month. The breakdown of hepatocytes and the growth of fibrous tissue can develop faster. If we talk about cirrhosis of the liver, then patient simply does not have time for risky treatment.

Drug Treatment

With compensated and subcompensated cirrhosis, supportive therapy is prescribed - a strict diet and hepatoprotectors (drugs based on glycyrrhizic acid, phospholipids, amino acids, milk thistle (Silybum marianum Carduus marianus) and other components that help restore liver function). Antiviral therapy (AVT) is used for viral cirrhosis. However, it is fair to say that there is no specific treatment for cirrhosis.

Surgical Intervention

If the above treatments do not help, liver transplant is performed. Surgical intervention is necessary at the last, decompensated, stage of the disease, when the liver no longer performs its functions. In addition, a part of the liver can be taken from a relative of patient or another person who has expressed his consent to this operation.

Overview

The liver is an organ about the size of a football. It sits just under your rib cage on the right side of your abdomen. The liver is essential for digesting food and ridding your body of toxic substances.

Liver disease can be inherited (genetic). Liver problems can also be caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses, alcohol use and obesity.

Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring (cirrhosis), which can lead to liver failure, a life-threatening condition. But early treatment may give the liver time to heal.

Symptoms

Liver disease doesn't always cause noticeable signs and symptoms. If signs and symptoms of liver disease do occur, the may include:

Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)

Abdominal pain and swelling

Swelling in the legs and ankles

Itchy skin

Dark urine color

Pale stool color

Chronic fatigue

Nausea or vomiting

Loss of appetite

Tendency to bruise easily

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you. Seek immediate medical attention if you have abdominal pain that is so severe that you can't stay still.

Causes

Liver disease has many causes.

Infection

Parasites and viruses can infect the liver, causing inflammation that reduces liver function. The viruses that cause liver damage can be spread through blood or semen, contaminated food or water, or close contact with a person who is infected. The most common types of liver infection are hepatitis viruses, including:

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Immune system abnormality

Diseases in which your immune system attacks certain parts of your body (autoimmune) can affect your liver. Examples of autoimmune liver diseases include:

Autoimmune hepatitis

Primary biliary cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Genetics

An abnormal gene inherited from one or both of your parents can cause various substances to build up in your liver, resulting in liver damage. Genetic liver diseases include:

Hemochromatosis

Wilson's disease

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Cancer and other growths

Examples include:

Liver cancer

Bile duct cancer

Liver adenoma

Other

Additional, common causes of liver disease include:

Chronic alcohol abuse

Fat accumulation in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease)

Certain prescription or over-the-counter medications

Certain herbal compounds

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of liver disease include:

Heavy alcohol use

Obesity

Type 2 diabetes

Tattoos or body piercings

Injecting drugs using shared needles

Blood transfusion before 1992

Exposure to other people's blood and body fluids

Unprotected sex

Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins

Family history of liver disease

Complications

Complications of liver disease vary, depending on the cause of your liver problems. Untreated liver disease may progress to liver failure, a life-threatening condition.

Prevention

To prevent liver disease:

Drink alcohol in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. Heavy or high-risk drinking is defined as more than eight drinks a week for women and more than 15 drinks a week for men.

Avoid risky behavior. Use a condom during sex. If you choose to have tattoos or body piercings, be picky about cleanliness and safety when selecting a shop. Seek help if you use illicit intravenous drugs, and don't share needles to inject drugs.

Get vaccinated. If you're at increased risk of contracting hepatitis or if you've already been infected with any form of the hepatitis virus, talk to your doctor about getting the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.

Use medications wisely. Take prescription and nonprescription drugs only when needed and only in recommended doses. Don't mix medications and alcohol. Talk to your doctor before mixing herbal supplements or prescription or nonprescription drugs.

Avoid contact with other people's blood and body fluids. Hepatitis viruses can be spread by accidental needle sticks or improper cleanup of blood or body fluids.

Keep your food safe. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or preparing foods. If traveling in a developing country, use bottled water to drink, wash your hands and brush your teeth.

Take care with aerosol sprays. Make sure to use these products in a well-ventilated area, and wear a mask when spraying insecticides, fungicides, paint and other toxic chemicals. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Protect your skin. When using insecticides and other toxic chemicals, wear gloves, long sleeves, a hat and a mask so that chemicals aren't absorbed through your skin.

Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.