cirrhosis

I have cirrhosis of the liver and I hope to get some medical advice to slow down the progression of the disease because the treating doctor mentioned to me that I might need a liver transplant in the future, thanks for your kind response.

Abu Hamad

In fact, there is no cure for cirrhosis, nor for the damage caused by it, other than a liver transplant. However, the disease often progresses slowly, and there are measures that can be taken to reduce the rate of additional damage:

Refrain from drinking alcohol. Alcohol decomposes into many chemicals, some of which lead to liver poisoning, and when infected, avoiding alcohol will prolong the patient’s life.

Minimize the use of medications. Since damage prevents the liver from naturally removing toxins and medications from the digestive system, do not use medications, even non-prescribed ones, without consulting your doctor. Be careful not to combine acetaminophen (Tylenol) with another pain reliever, even if you are only taking the recommended daily dose of the medicine.

Avoid sick people. When the liver is damaged, one cannot fight off infections as easily as other healthy people and therefore take all reasonable precautions to avoid sickness. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B and against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia.

More than fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods are rich in nutrients, including vitamins A, C and E, and the doctor may also prescribe additional vitamins K, A, D, as he finds that the body does not get enough of them. But beware of consuming additional vitamins without consulting a doctor.

Reduce salt. The sodium in salt causes the body to retain fluid. This is what cirrhosis of the liver does as well. Thus, reducing salt consumption may contribute to reducing fluid deposition in the body.

Watch the level of protein in your diet. Reducing protein in the diet is rarely necessary, but it is important not to consume it in excessive quantities, and if fibrosis is advanced, excess protein may cause a condition called hepatic encephalopathy. It is a mental disorder that results from the liver’s inability to remove some toxic elements from the blood, such as ammonia in proteins. These toxins can affect the brain, causing personality changes, mental confusion or drowsiness.

Hepatitis C test

Does everyone need hepatitis C tests?

A simple detection test can determine the presence of hepatitis C antibodies in the blood, thus detecting the disease before symptoms develop and serious liver damage occurs. You must take a screening test:

• If you are taking or have used illegal drugs through the veins or nose (even if only once).

• If she underwent a blood transfusion before 1992.

• If you received a blood clotting factor before 1987.

• If you have been exposed to the blood of other people accidentally.

• If you are undergoing dialysis (or have had it in the past).

• If you have hemophilia (bleeding).

• If you have sexual relations or share razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers with people who have the disease.

• It also requires disclosure to workers in the health sector, pregnant women, and when they want to marry, as everyone knows.