eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Prevent Liver Cirrhosis

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)

Cirrhosis of the liver is the end stage for a variety of liver diseases. The term cirrhosis is a symptom that refers to the orange or tawny color of a diseased liver and is not a specific disease in itself. Although it is most closely associated with alcoholism, the most common cause of liver cirrhosis in the United States is now hepatitis. Here's how to prevent liver cirrhosis.

Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Limit your alcohol intake to reduce the risk of alcoholic cirrhosis. Consuming more than two drinks per day increases the chances of cirrhosis.

  2. Step 2

    Get a vaccination against Hepatitis B. This is a significant cause of cirrhosis and the only common form of hepatitis with a vaccine.

  3. Step 3

    Minimize the risk of contracting hepatitis C by avoiding high-risk sexual behavior. This includes unprotected sex and multiple partners. Do not use nasal cocaine or share needles with other drug users. Half of the cases of hepatitis C are contracted from contaminated drug paraphernalia.

  4. Step 4

    Use caution when using chemicals. Cleaning products and pesticides can be a significant source of chemically-induced cirrhosis. Wear protective clothing and a face mask if handling chemicals often.

  5. Step 5

    Address the underlying causes of cirrhosis. Existing cirrhosis is usually irreversible but further damage can be minimized. For example, Wilson's disease causes the build-up of copper in the liver and requires lifelong chelation therapy.

Comments  

only39 said

Flag This Comment

on 5/10/2008 39 years old with 4 year old son.Feeling fine 1 day and the next sick as ever pain all over turning very yellow,swelling by the minute stomach,face,legs,hands feet bleeding a lot itchy all over.Given 1-30 days to live.Doctors cant or dont want to help.said liver shot!HELP!!Please someone I DON"T want to DIE!!PLEASE!!!!

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Health Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

Live Strong Partner
Livestrong_eHow Health