How Long Do You Live With Cirrhosis of the Liver?
If you or someone that you know is plagued with health problems, and at one time was an alcoholic, you might ask yourself “how long do you live with cirrhosis of the liver?” Additionally, if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, then you could be at risk for cirrhosis of the liver.
Cirrhosis of the liver is a potentially life threatening health problem in which the liver is slowly deteriorating. This deterioration eventually leads to the organ completely shutting down. As it shuts down, ghastly scar tissue literally covers the areas where there was once healthy liver tissue. When this happens blood flow to the liver is impeded and cell rejuvenation cannot take place.
No human can survive without a liver, as it works to filter out many of the toxins that are ingested. If you have been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, you are probably still wondering “how long do you live with cirrhosis of the liver?” Prior to answering that question, a quick review of the symptoms may be necessary.
Symptoms of Cirrhosis of the Liver
Symptoms are quite often dependent upon the stage of cirrhosis in which a patient is in. There are four stages of the disease, but it is important to know what the symptoms are of the first stage before you make an attempt to self diagnose. Symptoms of stage one of the disease include but are not limited to:
- Jaundice
- Enlarged Liver
- Brownish colored urine
- Swelling of legs, ankles and abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Bloody Stool
- Fever
What Causes Cirrhosis of the Liver?
Cirrhosis of the liver can be attributed to severe and long term alcoholism. Additional causes include obesity, diabetes and viral infections of the liver including but not limited to the diseases Hepatitis B, C. Any combination of these things at an ongoing rate will inevitably lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
While there are treatments to delay the progression of the stages of cirrhosis of the liver, it is not a curable disease. Not to mention, if the diagnosed individual is afflicted with both alcoholism and obesity they may be fighting an uphill battle.
Cirrhosis of the liver is not the sort of disease that simply happens overnight. It takes years of consistent, conscience and chronic alcohol abuse left untreated that will perpetuate the liver to begin to attack itself and eventually deteriorate. While abstinence from alcohol, and a liver transplant are plausible solutions to the cirrhosis problem, there is no surefire way to alleviate the disease altogether. Furthermore, people afflicted with Hepatitis have a higher risk.
Who Is At Risk?
Alcoholics, people afflicted with Hepatitis B, C and D and according to new research, people who suffer from diabetes and consistent heart attacks may be at risk. Years of unfounded alcohol abuse and deliberate liver damage can be attributed to the disease. It is something that can be avoided if one completely stops alcohol use and abuse.
How Long Do You Live With Cirrhosis of the Liver?
That all depends on what stage of the disease a person is in. If they are in the initial stages, then there are ways to slow the progression of the cirrhosis by completely changing the lifestyle; eliminating alcohol altogether, and changing the diet.
If the person is in the latter stages of the disease, then the only way to survive is to get a liver transplant. If a liver transplant is not available or simply not an option, than the afflicted individual has a life expectancy of less than ten years.
There is an additional cirrhosis treatment as well. A doctor may completely renovate a patient’s diet eliminating the consumption of toxic foods and introducing (or re-introducing) smart foods (such as raw fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.) Additionally, a doctor may administer laxatives in order to remove toxins from the system.