Chronic Liver Disease Treatment

The 12th leading cause of death in the United States is cirrhosis of the liver, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Scar tissue that builds up because of different diseases is the cause of chronic liver disease. The scar tissue causes the liver to harden and to slow blood circulation. Cirrhosis, hepatitis and fibrosis of the liver are diseases and conditions that contribute to chronic liver disease. Different treatments are available depending on the severity of the disease.

Significance

Chronic liver disease is irreversible because of the scar tissue, but if caught before too much damage has occurred, it can be stopped or slowed. Therefore, treatment for chronic liver disease varies by the cause of chronic liver disease and how much damage has occurred.

Common Treatment

A well-balanced diet geared toward the liver is essential. A low sodium diet combined with low protein is preferred as this creates a lighter burden on the liver. Sodium and protein are harder to process and will stay in the liver longer than necessary in chronic liver disease, causing more damage. Drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol of any kind as the diseased liver cannot reduce the toxins that alcohol creates.

Rest

Patients with chronic liver disease will require additional rest. It's important to not stress the body as much as possible by physical activity. This allows the liver to function better while at rest.

Medications

Medications are given for chronic liver disease and will be based on individual needs. Those with hepatitis will be given the drug Interferon to combat the disease and lessen the symptoms. Cirrhosis patients will be given steroids, antibiotics, diuretics and beta-blockers. The steroids will be for inflammation, antibiotics for infection, diuretics for fluid buildup or swelling and beta-blockers will reduce the swelling in blood veins to reduce the chance of hemorrhaging.

Advanced Stage Medications

In the more advanced stages of chronic liver disease, a lessening of brain function becomes noticeable because of a buildup of toxins in the blood stream. The medicine Lactulose will be given. Lactulose is a laxative but also has ingredients that flush out the toxin buildup. Intravenous drugs are sometimes necessary and surgery to stop bleeding is another advanced form of treatment.

Transplant

If chronic liver disease is allowed to progress or all other forms of treatment have ceased to help, a final recourse is a liver transplant. Unfortunately, this isn't a solution for all cases of chronic liver disease. Each case will be viewed individually to determine who will receive a transplant.