A doctor can usually diagnose cirrhosis with a physical exam and knowledge of the patient’s history and symptoms. During the exam, the physician can feel an enlarged liver, a sign of cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis may also be detected with a CBC blood test, abdominal X-ray, or liver biopsy for further confirmation.
The most effective treatment of cirrhosis is to correct the underlying cause. This could include abstaining from alcohol, getting treatment for viral hepatitis, or eliminating certain substances from the person’s diet or environment.
If a patient’s cirrhosis is caused by alcoholism, the person must stop drinking immediately. A cirrhosis patient who continues to drink has a less than 40 percent chance of living longer than five more years. If the person stops drinking, the chances of survival increase to 60 to 70 percent.
If cirrhosis is caused by viral hepatitis, the doctor will prescribe rest, proper nutrition, and medications such as interferon. Not all types of hepatitis can be cured, however.
If excess copper in the system causes cirrhosis (a disorder known as Wilson’s disease), doctors prescribe medication that rids the body of copper.
Severe cases of cirrhosis may require a liver transplant. This procedure is considered a last resort. Those whose cirrhosis is caused by alcohol must demonstrate a prolonged period of abstinence before they can undergo a transplant. Doctors are hesitant to transplant a liver if the patient is going to abuse it.
Improved nutrition can also be beneficial to people with cirrhosis. A balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, grains, milk, and protein can help promote regeneration among cells in the intact portions of the liver.
Finally, there are many different causes for cirrhosis and adequate treatment depends on a complete evaluation by a physician.
