Prevention of cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is the final stage of prolonged liver diseases. Chronic liver diseases developing for a very long period can develop into fibrosis and cirrhosis. The best way to avoid it is through diagnosis and treating liver disease early.
Living a healthy lifestyle is the biggest factor that can help to avoid and prevent cirrhosis. Following are some the changes a person can adapt to prevent the disease:
Avoiding Alcohol
Too much of alcohol can cause swelling in the liver. With time and continuous exposure to alcohol can cause cirrhosis. This doesn’t happen in one day. Heavy drinking of 10 years or more makes a person more prone to cirrhosis. Limiting your alcohol intake can help in preventing alcohol-induced liver diseases and cirrhosis.
Protecting Liver against Hepatitis
Inflammation in the liver can cause cirrhosis. Most often this swelling and inflammation is caused by viruses. Hepatitis A, B and C are the most common types of viral infections that cause cirrhosis. The chronic viral infection makes a person more prone to the condition. To reduce the chances of infection, a person should:
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis infection
- Avoid unprotected sex
- Avoid sharing needles with already affected person
- Stay away from tattoos or body piercing
- Sterilize instruments and needles before using or sharing
Healthy diet
The buildup of fatty acids in the liver can cause non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This leads to cirrhosis too. High cholesterol levels and obesity are linked to other health issues like diabetes and cardiac conditions.
Maintaining a healthy diet and limiting portions of food can help lower the chances of developing this condition.
Statins
Statins are drugs that are particularly used to treat high cholesterol. Statins can also protect from cirrhosis development.
According to some studies, people with hepatitis B taking statins are at low risk of developing cirrhosis.
Avoiding supplements
Avoiding hepatotoxins like acetaminophen can also help in preventing cirrhosis. Some supplements can worsen the liver damage. These are:
- Copper
- Iron
- Vitamin A
Get Yourself Tested For Cirrhosis
If the person is a regular alcohol drinker and has a medical history of liver disease, he/she should get tested. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the disease.
