The 4 Stages Of Liver Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis is a severe condition in human life that is progressive and could last long-term.
In this illness, the areas of liver tissues replace the livers normal structure.
It usually happens because the non-functional scar tissues separate the liver tissues, creating regions of scar tissues in the normal liver.
Scars on the liver tissues can hinder and gradually stop the normal functioning of the liver.
As this condition continuously happens over a longer duration and becomes very progressive, liver cirrhosis develops.
And once the condition or illness is not addressed correctly or stopped, resulting in the malfunction of the liver up its normal capacity, it will be referred to as final stage disease on the liver.
There are several root causes why liver cirrhosis occurs.
Individuals can develop liver cirrhosis once they suffered from liver diseases, hepatitis B, or even if they are excessively drinking alcohol.
The growth and development of liver cirrhosis may be gradual, depending on the condition.
Liver cirrhosis has four stages which will tell the person the seriousness of his liver damage.
For reference purposes and to understand the four stages of liver cirrhosis well, keep in touch on the subsequent discussions since this article will explain or elaborate on every stage of this condition.
What Are The 4 Stages Of Liver Disease
How your gastroenterologists in Huntsville, AL, can diagnose and treat liver disease
Your liver is an important organ that works to eliminate toxins from your body. When you have liver problems, toxins can build up in your body, causing damage to your organs and tissues. Fortunately, your gastroenterologist is an expert at diagnosing and treating liver disease.
Dr. E. Anthony Ugheoke at Associates In Gastroenterology in Huntsville, AL, offers comprehensive GI services, including diagnosis and treatment of liver disease.
Liver disease can be caused by a virus, excessive alcohol use, obesity, poor diet, genetics, an autoimmune disease, or a drug reaction.
There are 4 stages of liver disease:
Early diagnosis of liver disease is the key to early treatment, which can mean a better outcome for you. Liver disease in the early stages is treatable because your liver has a great ability to heal itself. As liver disease progresses, the livers natural healing abilities decrease.
To learn more about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of liver disease, call Dr. E. Anthony Ugheoke at Associates In Gastroenterology in Huntsville, AL. You can reach him at 883-0098, so call today!
Some Possible Causes Of Liver Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis may be prevented if a person is meticulous enough in sustaining his good lifestyle.
Any individual should know the possible root cause of this liver disease to take care of his liver for good.
It is also better to know the possible causes of liver cirrhosis so that everyone can make a better lifestyle, leading to promote good liver condition.
The following are some of the leading causes of cirrhosis of the liver:
Also Check: Can You Heal Leaky Gut
Cirrhosis Of The Liver Stage 4
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Preventing Further Liver Damage
Regardless of the underlying cause of cirrhosis, consumption of alcohol and other potentially damaging substances are discouraged. There is no evidence that supports the avoidance or dose reduction of paracetamol in people with compensated cirrhosis it is thus considered a safe analgesic for said individuals.
Vaccination of susceptible patients should be considered for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.Treating the cause of cirrhosis prevents further damage for example, giving oral antivirals such as entecavir and tenofovir where cirrhosis is due to hepatitis B prevents progression of cirrhosis. Similarly, control of weight and diabetes prevents deterioration in cirrhosis due to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Avoid drugs that could further harm the liver. These include several drugs such as anti-depressants, certain antibiotics, and NSAIDs . These agents are hepatotoxic as they are metabolized by the liver. If medication that harms the liver is still recommended by your doctor, the dosage can be adjusted.
Treatment: Home Care Medications And Surgery
Your treatment depends on how badly your liver is injured. The goal is to protect the healthy tissue you have left.
The first step is to treat the condition that’s causing your cirrhosis to prevent any more damage. Some things you may need to do include:
- Stop drinking alcohol right away. Your doctor can suggest a treatment program for addiction.
- Lose weight if you are obese, especially if your cirrhosis is caused by fat buildup in your liver.
- Take medications if you have hepatitis B or C.
- Keep all your doctor’s appointments.
- Eat enough protein. People with cirrhosis need more than most folks.
- Get shots for flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis A and B.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often.
- Ask your doctor if it’s OK to take over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. You cannot take these medications if you have ascites.
- Drink enough fluids, even if you have ascites, so you don’t get dehydrated.
- Eat a low-salt diet if you have ascites.
- Eat a high-protein, high-calorie diet.
- Take a diuretic if your doctor prescribes one to help manage ascites.
- Take medicine your doctor prescribes if you have constipation .
Your doctor will also want to treat any complications that can happen with cirrhosis. They may suggest things like:
Low-sodium diet. This can help control swelling. Your doctor may also ask you to take medications for this problem. If you have a severe fluid buildup, you may need to get it drained.
Bleeding And Blood Clot Risk
Cirrhosis can increase the risk of bleeding. The liver produces various proteins in the coagulation cascade . When damaged, the liver is impaired in its production of these proteins. This will ultimately increase bleeding as clotting factors are diminished. Clotting function is estimated by lab values, mainly platelet count, prothrombin time , and international normalized ratio .
The American Gastroenterological Association provided recommendations in 2021 in regards to coagulopathy management of cirrhotic patients in certain scenarios.
What Are The Last Stages Of Liver Failure Before Death
When liver damage progresses to an advanced stage, fluid collects in the legs, called edema, and in the abdomen, called ascites. Ascites can lead to bacterial peritonitis, a serious infection. When the liver slows or stops producing the proteins needed for blood clotting, a person will bruise or bleed easily.
Chronic Condition Of Hepatitis B
Although hepatitis B has less chance of cirrhosis than Hepatitis C, it is still necessary to treat this condition and maintain a better lifestyle. If this condition will persist and eventually become chronic, this may also cause inflammation, resulting in the death of the liver cells. This will then be replaced by the scar tissues, which trigger the occurrence of cirrhosis.
Stage 3 Cirrhosis Of Liver:
In the stage 3 of liver cirrhosis, there is a significant amount of development of ascites or accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. However, the ascites level can be detected by abdominal ultrasound or similar imaging tests. The amount or volume of ascites indicates the level of damage that has been caused to the liver. It also indicates the amount of liver scarring that has been worsened by portal hypertension.
This stage is irreversible and transplant is recommended to get rid of the condition. There are a number of signs and symptoms that are prominent during this stage and you will feel and know that your liver is no longer working the way it should be. These signs and symptoms include
- Yellowish and/or pale skin shortness of breath
- Widespread and persistent itchiness in the skin
- Changes or swings in the blood sugar level, high and low
- Swelling of the feet, ankles and lower legs.
- It is a really critical stage.
Cirrhosis Of The Liver Stage#:
During this initial stage of cirrhosis, the person normally does not experience any symptoms. If closely observed, there are symptoms indicating liver function problem, which include dry mouth, fatigue, jaundice and enlargement of the upper stomach area. Itching sensation is also sometimes experienced.
The liver suffers from inflammation and abnormal tissue but disease progression and liver function deterioration is very slow. Advancement of cirrhosis of the liver can only be determined by biopsy results.
The initial stage of liver cirrhosis is actually called compensated stage, as the body successfully manages and compensates on its own for all the shortcomings that are brought on by malfunctioning of the liver.
How To Prevent Cirrhosis
The best way to prevent alcohol-related cirrhosis is to drink within the recommended limits.
The guidelines recommend:
- men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week
- you should spread your drinking over 3 days, or more, if you drink as much as 14 units a week
Stop drinking alcohol immediately if you have alcohol-related cirrhosis. Drinking alcohol speeds up the rate at which cirrhosis progresses, regardless of the cause.
A GP can offer help and advice if you’re finding it difficult to cut down the amount you drink.
Stage : Cirrhosis Of The Liver
At this stage, the scarring is complete, and there is no possibility of the liver healing itself now. The only option for such a person is liver transplant. But the best part is that it takes a long time to get to this stage, sometimes decades even. There are various symptoms that nobody can miss. There is a lot of pain, discomfort, and tenderness in the liver area of the abdomen. The person starts losing appetite, and whatever little food he/she consumes gives a bloated feeling in the abdomen, which is due to fluid build-up. He/she also suffers from jaundice, with the eyes and skin turning yellowish. Itching also often occurs from depositing of bile pigments in the skin
Stages Of Liver Failure
Inflammation. In this early stage, the liver is enlarged or inflamed.
Fibrosis. Scar tissue begins to replace healthy tissue in the inflamed liver.
Cirrhosis. Severe scarring has built up, making it difficult for the liver to function properly.
End-stage liver disease . Liver function has deteriorated to the point where the damage cant be reversed other than with a liver transplant.
Liver cancer. The development and multiplication of unhealthy cells in the liver can occur at any stage of liver failure, although people with cirrhosis are more at risk.
Compensated Vs Decompensated Cirrhosis
Compensated cirrhosis
- This phase is asymptomatic because the healthy liver cells are still capable of meeting the bodys needs and compensating for the scarred tissue and damaged cells.
- Treatment is necessary at this stage to prevent the illness from escalating to liver failure because the body will be unable to efficiently rid itself of toxins.
This type of cirrhosis causes various symptoms and can lead to various problems, including:
- Bleeding of varices:
- Varices are dilated blood vessels in the stomach or esophagus caused by obstruction of the portal vein to the liver. It is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment due to the risk of blood loss.
- Loss of appetite
- Bruising easily due to the injured liver’s decreased production of blood clotting components
Cirrhosis can proceed to liver failure over several years nevertheless, the damage done at this stage is irreversible and fatal. The goal is to diagnose and treat liver illness as early as possible to enhance the prognosis and prevent liver failure.
Can You Live 10 Years With Cirrhosis
People with cirrhosis in Class A have the best prognosis, with a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. People with cirrhosis in Class B are still healthy, with a life expectancy of 6 to 10 years. As a result, these people have plenty of time to seek sophisticated therapy alternatives such as a liver transplant.
How Long Can You Live With Cirrhosis Of The Liver Stage 4
This is a late-stage result of liver disease. Cirrhosis causes liver scarring/damage. Within time the scarring can prevent proper liver function, which can lead to liver failure. Several factors can result in cirrhosis including:
- Immune system problems
- Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease .
- Infections
- Hepatitis C
- Alcohol consumption
Various factors can determine a cirrhosis patients life expectancy. Two of the key ones are Model for End-stage Liver Disease and Child-Turcotte-Pugh score.
The MELD score can help to figure out the risk of death among patients with liver disease . Lab test values calculate MELD scores. There are various substances that are used to calculate the patients MELD score.
The score is used to figure out the chance of someone passing away within 3 months. This provides various benefits. It gives doctors an idea about a patients life expectancy. It also determines who should be moved up on waiting lists for liver transplants.
Liver transplants can help to boost a patients life expectancy. A higher MELD score increases the chance someone will pass away within 3 months. It can bump them up on the waiting list.
Theres also the CPT score. This is used to determine if someone has Class A/BC cirrhosis. Class A is mild, Class B is more mid-level, and class C is serious.
Its not possible to reverse cirrhosis. However, you can take several steps to slow down how fast it progresses and prevent liver damage. Here are some of the main steps to take:
- Limit salt
How Common Is Cirrhosis
Scientists estimate that cirrhosis of the liver affects about one in 400 adults in the U.S. It affects about 1 in 200 adults age 45 to 54, the age group most commonly affected by cirrhosis. Cirrhosis causes about 26,000 deaths each year in the U.S. and is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. among adults 25 to 64 years of age.
Cirrhosis Of The Liver
Cirrhosis is the result of long-term, continuous damage to the liver and may be due to many different causes. The damage leads to scarring, known as fibrosis. Irregular bumps replace the smooth liver tissue and the liver becomes harder. Together, the scarring and the nodules are called cirrhosis.
People with decompensated liver disease or cirrhosis often have serious symptoms and complications such as portal hypertension , bleeding varices, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy .. Some of the tests which may be used for cirrhosis include:. You may also be given other drugs to reduce blood pressure, to prevent and treat infections and to help support your bodys functions.. This not only acts as a laxative but also helps the body remove the toxins that build up in the body when the liver is failing.. Liver cirrhosis can cause low platelet levels which makes it harder for your blood to clot.. Liver transplantation is usually very successful although in some cases it is possible for liver diseases to return and affect your new liver.. No one knows for sure how many people have cirrhosis as most people do not know they have it until the condition is serious.
Avoid Alcohol And Drugs
Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to fatty deposits on your liver tissue, which interferes with liver function. Recreational drugs are toxins, and when present in excessive amounts, your liver becomes overworked trying to get rid of them.
Long term drug or alcohol abuse causes serious wear and damage to your liver, so this should be the first things to give up if cirrhosis is suspected.
Indian Diet Plan For Liver Cirrhosis Patient
Indian diet plan for liver cirrhosis patient Liver cirrhosis is a result of long-term liver damage. This condition normally occurs as a result of drinking a
What are the Stages of Liver Cirrhosis?. The fluid requirement depends on the urine output throughout the day and edema that the patient exhibits.. Breakfast 1 cup Oats with ½ cup milk+ 4 6 soaked almonds Mid-morning 1 fruit Lunch 1 cup sprout salad with vegetables +2 Chapati Or1.5 Cup Rice +1 cup leeched vegetables +½ cup pulse or thick dal +1 cup hung curd Evening 1 cup Vegetable Daliya / Oats Upama / Rawa upama+ 2 egg whites or 40 grams paneer Dinne r1 ½ cup Vegetable Dal Khichdi +1 cup Thick Vegetable soup Bedtime 2 dates Calories 2100 kcal .. Breakfast 3 4 small moong dal chilla with tomato chutney+ 1 cup hung curd Mid-morning 80 grams Paneer OR 2 3 egg whites +½ cup mashed potatoes Lunch 1 cup Thick Vegetable soup +3 Chapatis +1 cup Quinoa/ Rice/ Daliya +1 cup Vegetables +½ cup Pulse Evening 1 fruit +4 6 walnuts +4 almonds +1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds Dinner 2 Paneer Parathas + Dal khichdi 1 cup +Vegetables 1 cup +Hung Curd 1 cup Bedtime 2 Dates Additional notes: Restrict the use of salt to not more than 1 teaspoon a day.. What are the Causes of Liver Cirrhosis?. So, follow this Indian diet for Liver Cirrhosis which includes foods with mastery details of eating it.. 1 cup of parboiled rice 1 cup of dal 1 cup of mixed veg 1 chapatti salad
