Cirrhosis of the Liver - Care Plan

Cirrhosis of the liver is often associated with alcoholism however it also occurs in individuals who never drink. Chronic alcoholics may exhibit cirrhosis due to repeated damage of the liver by the alcohol. The precise cause is unknown, however the link between alcohol and cirrhosis is well documented. Other possible causes include poor nutrition, especifically a deficiency of vitamin B, genetic deficiencies, long standing obstruction of the common duct that drains the bile, extended periods of exposure to drugs and other toxic chemicals, such as carbon tetrachloride. Cirrhosis is more common among men between the ages of 40 and 60.

Drinking without moderation, in most cases will cause some liver damage, but it may not necessarily cause cirrhosis. Cirrhosis of the liver is very slow and gradual in its development. Very often it is well advanced before its symptoms are noticeable enoufh to cause alarm.

There are two general types of cirrhosis of the liver. The most common type is known as Portal cirrhosis, in which there is obstruction to the portal vein, resulting in dropsy of the abdomen. It occurs in middle-aged individuals. The liver is usually shrunken and its surface may be rough. In the second type, known as Biliary cirrhosis,which occurs in young people, there has been a previous inflammation of the liver tissue, the small bile ducts are obstructed by stones and the liver is enlarged and smooth.

A good nutrition plays an important role in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver. Below is a general guideline for a sound cirrhosis care plan:

blue-arrow-06_R The cirrhosis diet plan should be adequate and varied, and should not include meat, uncooked shellfish, tea, coffee and spices. A sound cirrhosis diet plan requieres high calorie diets, rich in proteins and carbohydrates, plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, milk and spices which may promote regeneration among cells in the intact portion of the liver. Check with your doctor for the best cirrhosis diet plan since too much or too little protein in your diet plan may slow the regeneration of the cells or have adverse results.

blue-arrow-06_RRegulate fluid intake but keep the bowels active. Epsom salts may help with this.

blue-arrow-06_R Resting in bed is recommended mos of the time.

blue-arrow-06_R If fluid collects in the abdominal cavity, contact your doctor to remove it.

blue-arrow-06_R If the cause of your cirrhosis is alcohol, you must stop drinking immediately. If you don't stop drinking, you have less than 40% chance of living more than five years. But if you stop drinking, you increase your chances to about 70%.

Diagnosis. A physical examination along with the patient's history may be enough to diagnose a case of cirrhosis. After the diagnosis is made, the doctor may order some tests. Results of chemical tests for cirrhosis of the liver reveal the presence of liver damage, the presence of increased bile pigment in the blood stream. Diagnosis is made most definitive by liver biopsy or tissue sample. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the liver and a small fragment of liver is drawn up to be examined under the microscope.