What should be noted in the early stages of cirrhosis?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on January 19, 2025
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Cirrhosis is a disease characterized by diffuse fibrosis of the liver tissue, pseudolobules, and regenerative nodules. In China, it is mostly caused by chronic hepatitis B, with a small portion caused by chronic hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease.

What should be noted if someone has cirrhosis?

Firstly, alcohol consumption should be restricted; regardless of whether the cirrhosis is alcohol-related, abstaining from alcohol is critical as it can further damage the liver cells;

Secondly, a low-sodium diet is advised, meaning that salt intake should be reduced. Excessive salt can lead to fluid retention, resulting in ascites or edema;

Thirdly, increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits and intake some high-quality proteins, such as beans or fish, but avoid raw seafood;

Lastly, be cautious with the use of various medications. Drugs that cause liver damage should be avoided to prevent exacerbating cirrhosis.

Other Voices

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Does early-stage liver cirrhosis cause petechiae on the skin?

In the early stages of cirrhosis, it generally does not cause petechiae on the skin. However, if the disease progresses to a later stage, the decline in coagulation function and reduction in platelets may lead to skin manifestations such as petechiae and ecchymosis. Therefore, if a patient with cirrhosis experiences petechiae in the early stages, it is important to seek further consultation at a reputable hospital's department of gastroenterology and hepatology. When necessary, a consultation at the dermatology department may also be required to complete coagulation function tests and a routine blood examination to assess the patient's condition. If the patient's condition, including the symptoms mentioned above, is due to cirrhosis, further comprehensive evaluations are needed, including gastroscopy and imaging studies of the liver, to rule out the occurrence of liver complications.

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Early symptoms of cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is generally divided into compensated and decompensated stages: The compensated stage is actually an early stage of liver cirrhosis. During this stage, most patients do not show symptoms, or they may experience some mild symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, etc. Decompensated stage: Early stages often present with fatigue and weakness, and later stages can include weight loss, loss of appetite, aversion to oily foods, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, fever, etc.; The liver is the only site of albumin synthesis, and during cirrhosis, reduced serum albumin can cause edema and ascites; the liver synthesizes most clotting factors, and cirrhosis can lead to coagulation disorders, clinically manifesting as gum bleeding, skin bruising, and nosebleeds; During cirrhosis, there can also be metabolic disorders of bilirubin and bile acids, leading to jaundice; Cirrhosis can also cause hormonal metabolic abnormalities, especially in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, who may exhibit many characteristics of male dysfunction, including impotence, erectile dysfunction, testicular atrophy, loss of body hair and muscle mass, feminization, etc. Female patients may experience cessation or reduction of menstruation, excessive menstruation, infertility, etc.; Both male and female patients can develop osteoporosis, leading to spontaneous fractures.

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What is the cause of a gurgling stomach in cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis patients experiencing gurgling noises in the abdomen may suffer from functional dyspepsia due to cirrhosis, leading to accelerated intestinal motility and the mentioned symptoms. It is also possible that patients with cirrhosis may concurrently have acute enteritis, causing these symptoms. If these symptoms occur, further comprehensive stool tests are necessary to determine whether the symptoms are caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Depending on the cause, different treatment measures should be adopted. Consider using montmorillonite powder to stop diarrhea and using Bacillus cereus, composite lactic acid bacteria, etc., to regulate the intestinal flora. Given the patient's cirrhosis, proactive liver treatment is essential. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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In the early stages of cirrhosis, is there abdominal bloating and stomach pain?

Early-stage cirrhosis generally does not result in abdominal distension or stomach pain, and individuals in the early stages of liver cirrhosis might not exhibit any discomfort symptoms. However, if liver function reaches an advanced stage, complications like ascites associated with cirrhosis might occur, leading to abdominal distension. There might also be the occurrence of conditions like portal vein thrombosis, which can cause stomach pain, and possibly primary peritonitis, which can induce abdominal pain in patients. It is necessary to promptly identify the cause and adopt appropriate treatment measures. For example, if the stomach pain is caused by primary peritonitis, active anti-infection treatments should be applied.

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Can early-stage cirrhosis cancer be cured?

Whether early-stage liver cirrhosis cancer can be cured depends on a detailed analysis of the specific situation. Firstly, if a patient with early-stage liver cirrhosis develops cancer, it is crucial to promptly combine the patient’s physical condition with aggressive surgical treatment. The specific surgical approach and procedure are determined by clinical doctors. Moreover, for patients with early-stage cancer, targeted etiological treatment should be administered. For instance, if the early-stage liver cancer is caused by alcoholic liver cirrhosis, active intervention is necessary. If it is due to viral hepatitis, such as chronic hepatitis B leading to liver cirrhosis and progressing to early-stage cancer, active antiviral treatment is required.