LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease of the liver characterized by diffuse degeneration and destruction of hepatocytes. Liver Cirrhosis is common because of an unhealthy lifestyle. It’s a slow-moving condition that takes years to develop. If left unchecked, scar tissue will eventually prohibit the liver from functioning. People need to avoid drinking alcohol, opioids, sedative medications, and hepatotoxic medications. Cirrhosis requires long-term, persistent damage to the liver to develop. When healthy liver tissue is removed and replaced by scar tissue, the problem worsens because blood flow through the liver might become obstructed.

CAUSE OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Appended below are the major causes of liver cirrhosis.

1. Chronic damage and injury to the liver.

2. Chronic hepatitis C

3. Alcoholism

4. Non- Alcoholic fatty liver disease

ASSESSMENT OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS

1. Abdominal discomfort

2. Anorexia

3. Nausea and vomiting

4. Headache

5. Reflux

6. Hiccupping

7. Heart turn

8. Vitamin B12 deficiency 

INTERVENTIONS OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS

·         Elevate the head to reduce breathing difficulties

·         Provide supplement vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K . Also folic acid and thiamine are good for liver cirrhosis.

·         Administer diuretics for ascites

·         Restrict sodium intake

·         Strict fluid intake

·         Start  enteral feedings or parenteral nutrition

·         Daily weight checking to assess edema and ascites

·         Measure abdominal girth daily

·         Strict intake and output

·         Check electrolyte balance

·         Monitor level of consciousness

·         Assess gastrointestinal bleeding, administer the injection, vitamin if these bleeding and also check coagulation profile

·         Administer blood products, if hemoglobin is low

·         Administer lactulose to reduce the production of ammonia and encourage the excretion of ammonia

·         Administer antacid

·         Advice the client to avoid alcohol intake. Moreover, avoid intake of opioids, sedatives, and hepatotoxic medications.

·         If there are ascites, prepare the patient for paracentesis to remove the abdominal fluid. Measure the abdominal fluid and send it for laboratory studies.

·         Administer antibiotics for preventing infections

COMPLICATIONS OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Liver cirrhosis is a dangerous condition which may cause death of a person gradually. If liver cirrhosis is complicated, then the person faces different problems in the body regularly.

·         Ascites

·         Esophageal varices

·         Portal hypertension

·         Deficit of clotting factors such as  II, VII, IX, X

·         Jaundice

·         Progressive renal failure

·         Neuromuscular disturbances

·         Altered level of consciousness

·         Elevate blood urea, creatinine level

·         Decreased urine sodium excretion

TREATMENT OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Treatment of liver cirrhosis all depends upon reducing the damage to the liver. If a person knows the reasons for liver cirrhosis then it is easy to treat the same in an effective manner. Always prefer to consult with a doctor for a proper liver cirrhosis treatment plan.

1. Liver transplant surgery

Liver transplant surgery is the one in which a damaged liver is replaced with another healthy liver. The person who donates the liver transplant goes through a series of tests to see if they are healthy enough to have a successful surgery.

2. Lifestyle treatment

Healthy lifestyle changes are needed for the person who suffers from liver cirrhosis such as stopping the intake of alcohol and following regular exercise. Regular exercise helps in controlling the fatty acids in the body. A proper diet that improves the lever function also helps in effective treatment.