Cirrhosis of liver is one of the most common causes of death in younger age groups. It can occur in any age.
Causes of cirrhosis
Alcohol
Chronic viral hepatitis B or C
Genetic and immune causes
Biliary causes
Whatever may be the cause the basic reason is the recurrent or persistent death of liver cells or hepatocytes. Alcohol is considered to be the prime cause of cirrhosis worldwide.
Due to progressive wide-spread death of liver cell associated with inflammation and fibrosis, the normal architecture of liver is lost. The process is gradual and highly progressive unless and until abstain from the cause. For example, if the cause is alcoholism, complete stoppage of the alcohol will prevent the further damage of liver cells.
Clinical features of cirrhosis-
Cirrhosis may be asymptomatic or just an enlargement of the liver is the sign.
There is severe weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal; discomfort, and weight loss will be there.
Along with hepatomegaly there will be jaundice
Ascites
Cyanosis (bluish discoloration)
Bleeding tendency
Enlargement of spleen
Pigmentation and digital clubbing.
Enlargement of the liver is the common accompaniment of alcoholism.
However, liver size is reduced in viral hepatitis and autoimmune liver diseases.
The enlarged liver is painless, hard, and there may be slight yellowish discoloration (jaundice).
Sometimes dilated small blood vessels arranged like spider pattern (spider telangiectasia) can be seen above the nipple. Along with this if there is enlargement of breast in male (gynecomastia) and parotid gland enlargement; it is strong indication of alcoholic liver disease.
Prognosis
Usually, prognosis is very bad. However, when the underlying causes are corrected the prognosis is more favorable.
Investigation
Complete blood count
Liver function test
USG abdomen
Treatment
If alcoholism is the cause, stoppage of the same is the primary need.
Diet for cirrhosis
Abstain from alcohol
Eat low sodium diet. Avoid added salt and tinned salted foods.
Can eat legumes, poultry and fish
Homeopathic treatment
The first and foremost thing is if there damage to the liver reversal to normalcy is a rare possibility. Nevertheless, there is a ray of hope, that, the further damage can be prevented by homeopathic remedies along with exactly formulated diet.
The better homeopathic remedies are Chelidonium, Cardus marianus, Lycopodium, Nux vomica, etc.
A better scope and prognosis are seen in a majority of the cases of cirrhosis if it is due to alcoholism.
In short, homeopathy is definitely an alternative to prevent the prognosis of the damaged liver and thereby to improve the quality of life.
