Will early portal hypertension from cirrhosis get better?

Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

Updated on May 18, 2025

00:00

00:00

As for whether early portal hypertension caused by liver cirrhosis can improve, it depends on the cause of the liver cirrhosis and the effectiveness of the treatment for liver cirrhosis. If the liver cirrhosis is caused by viral hepatitis, then with proactive antiviral treatment, the early stage of liver cirrhosis might be reversible to some extent, and the portal hypertension might also be treatable. If it is due to some difficult-to-treat causes of liver cirrhosis, then the patient’s portal hypertension is likely hard to improve. For example, in cases of early liver cirrhosis caused by autoimmune liver disease, the liver cirrhosis will progressively worsen, and at this point, the portal hypertension cannot improve. Once portal hypertension occurs, it is necessary to regularly perform gastroscopy examinations.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

52sec

home-news-image

Does early-stage cirrhosis hurt when pressed?

The anatomical location of the liver is covered by the ribs, so generally, the liver cannot be felt below the lower edge of the ribs, and since it is covered by the ribs, the liver cannot be pressed, hence there is no such thing as pain upon pressing. When we generally check for liver pain, we use percussion pain. By percussing the area of the liver, which is under the rib area, pain can be elicited in the liver, this is called percussion pain. The liver generally does not have tenderness because it simply cannot be pressed. Early stages of liver cirrhosis usually exhibit little to no pain sensation. However, some symptoms might appear during the decompensated phase, such as fatigue, weight loss, dull complexion, reduced urine output, edema, and spider angiomata, among other symptoms.

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Jian Kang

Infectious Disease

1min 3sec

home-news-image

Symptoms of decompensated cirrhosis due to hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus infection repeatedly leads to severe damage to the liver. If chronic hepatitis is not actively controlled, cirrhosis may occur. A symptom of decompensated cirrhosis mainly manifests as ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, portal hypertension, and some people exhibit symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. The presence of these complications indicates that the patient has reached the stage of decompensated cirrhosis. Patients in this stage often exhibit distinct jaundice, dark urine, abdominal distension after eating, and the presence of ascites with a positive shifting dullness. Additionally, some patients may experience vomiting blood, black stools, liver coma, and other related symptoms. Once these symptoms appear, it indicates that the prognosis for the patient is relatively poor.

home-news-image

Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

40sec

home-news-image

Is early-stage cirrhosis easy to detect?

Early-stage liver cirrhosis can be detected through abdominal ultrasound examinations or blood tests, such as liver function tests, liver fibrosis quartet tests, or transient elastography of the liver. Once early-stage liver cirrhosis is diagnosed, further diagnostic tests are necessary to promptly determine the underlying causes of liver cirrhosis, allowing for causal and symptomatic treatment to begin as soon as possible. After the onset of liver cirrhosis, it is crucial to regularly complete abdominal ultrasound examinations and gastroscopy to check for the presence of complications such as ascites or bleeding from esophagogastric varices, among others.

home-news-image

Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

51sec

home-news-image

Can people with cirrhosis eat watermelon?

Patients with cirrhosis can eat watermelon, as it is typically consumed raw. Therefore, it is important to ensure cleanliness when eating watermelon, and one should chew slowly and thoroughly without overeating. Eating a moderate amount, preferably once or twice a week, is advisable. The dietary principle for patients with cirrhosis should focus on light and easily digestible foods, avoiding rough and hard textures. It is also crucial to avoid greasy, spicy, and irritating foods, and alcohol consumption must be strictly avoided. Hygiene in diet is important, and a high-protein diet is advisable. Regular, moderate exercise is recommended, but patients should not overexert themselves and should ensure sufficient rest.

home-news-image

Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

51sec

home-news-image

Does early-stage cirrhosis exhibit spleen enlargement?

In the early stages of cirrhosis, spleen enlargement may occur, but generally, it is only a mild enlargement of the spleen. If the spleen shows significant enlargement, it generally indicates that the cirrhosis is no longer in the early stages. The main symptoms in the early stages of cirrhosis include an enlarged spleen, as well as denser liver parenchyma echoes and an uneven liver capsule surface. Once these early signs of cirrhosis appear, it is necessary to identify the cause as soon as possible and adopt cause-specific treatment. For example, if the cirrhosis is due to alcohol abuse, then it is necessary to abstain from alcohol. If it is due to chronic hepatitis B virus infection, antiviral treatments such as entecavir should be used. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)