How to Stop Cirrhosis From Hepatitis C From Advancing
For individuals with hepatitis C who develop cirrhosis of the liver, specialized treatment is necessary to manage hepatitis C and prevent further scarring and liver deterioration due to cirrhosis. Hepatitis C and the progression of cirrhosis of the liver can be managed and slowed through a combination of medication and lifestyle choices. Although scarring already present on the liver cannot be reversed, making healthy choices and treating the underlying hepatitis infection can prevent further damage and loss of liver function caused by cirrhosis.
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Things You'll Need
- Gastroenterologist or hepatologist
- Dentist
- Wholesome, balanced diet
- Exercise
- Interferon and ribavirin
- Twice-yearly liver ultrasounds and lab-work
- Hepatitis A and B immunizations; influenza vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine
Instructions
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Treat hepatitis C with interferon and ribavirin. These anti-virals help reduce the level of hepatitis C virus in the blood to undetectable levels as long as hepatitis C is discovered in the early stages. In later stages, if cirrhosis and hepatitis C are simultaneously present, low-doses of interferon can be taken to reduce hepatitis C virus levels and postpone possible liver failure.
It is important to treat hepatitis C in earlier stages because if advanced cirrhosis of the liver develops, interferon and ribavirin treatment for hepatitis C may not be possible due to the liver's delicate state, meaning a liver transplant may be the patient's only option.
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Abstain from alcohol. Alcohol accelerates the progression of cirrhosis in individuals with hepatitis C and should be avoided in order to slow the progression of liver failure and further liver scarring due to cirrhosis.
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Avoid raw or poorly prepared seafood. Sushi, oysters and other suspect seafood should be avoided because raw seafood may carry a bacteria known as vibrio vulnificus, which can be deadly in individuals with hepatitis C and cirrhosis.
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Get vaccinated. Individuals with hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver should get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, for these conditions can cause serious complications for already sick individuals. In addition, an annual flu vaccination and a pneumococcal vaccination every 5 years (which prevents the most common bacterial pneumonia) are recommended because individuals suffering from hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver are more likely to die from the flu and pneumonia than the normal population.
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Eat a healthy, balanced diet and get plenty of exercise. Avoid foods high in fat, cholesterol, simple carbohydrates and sugary foods, which can further aggravate the liver. Getting plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also help preserve existing liver function and help avoid further liver deterioration.
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Go the the dentist and doctor for regular checkups. Dental conditions such as gingivitis and gum infection can result in bacteria in the bloodstream, possibly resulting in infection. Infections can be particularly dangerous for individuals suffering from hepatitis C and cirrhosis. In advanced stages of cirrhosis, patients should visit their dentist every 6 months to prevent potential infections and complications.
Because liver cancer is more common in individuals with cirrhosis and hepatitis C, it is important to visit the doctor every 6 months for liver ultrasounds and lab work that can detect liver cancer in the early stages. Because liver cancer usually presents no symptoms, it is usually not detected until very advanced stages when treatment options are extremely limited. Detecting liver cancer in the early stages provides patients with more treatment options.
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Tips & Warnings
Although many individuals suffering from hepatitis C and cirrhosis believe that acetaminophen use should be discontinued, acetaminophen is actually the pain medication of choice for those suffering from these simultaneous conditions, but the recommended dosage should not be exceeded. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen should be discontinued, for these can accelerate liver deterioration.
Read multivitamin labels carefully. Vitamins A and E can further damage the liver when taken in high dosages. Also, multivitamins with iron should be avoided because "iron promotes formation of scar tissue," according to Dr. Jorge Herrera of the University of South Alabama Medical College.
