“cryptogenic cirrhosis.” Increasingly, however, researchers theorize that many of these cases are actually caused by NASH.
What are the symptoms of nonalcoholic cirrhosis?
Whether it comes from a virus or a liquor bottle, cirrhosis is a potentially disabling disease. You probably won’t notice any symptoms at first, but as the damage builds, you’ll feel weak and exhausted. You may also lose your appetite, become nauseated, and lose weight. Some women suddenly stop having periods, and men can develop erectile dysfunction, lose their sex drive, and have enlarged breasts that are painful.
As scarring progresses, your skin and eyes may become yellow (jaundiced). Your skin may also become intensely itchy, a condition called pruritis. Backed-up fluids can cause swelling in the abdomen (ascites), and internal bleeding can make you vomit blood. Because many medications are broken down in the liver, you may become extra-sensitive to your medications and extremely vulnerable to side effects. And if toxins normally removed by the liver begin to accumulate in the brain, you may become forgetful, unresponsive, and unconcerned about personal appearance.
How is nonalcoholic cirrhosis diagnosed?
Your doctor can detect liver damage by measuring the levels of certain enzymes in your blood. If the enzymes are high, an ultrasound or CT scan can often pinpoint the nature of the damage. If there’s still any question, doctors can remove a small sample of tissue (biopsy) through a needle to make a diagnosis and to determine the extent of the damage.
RELATED: What Can I Do to Stay Healthy and Protect My Liver?
How is nonalcoholic cirrhosis treated?
In some cases, doctors can slow down cirrhosis by targeting the source. For instance, chronic infections of hepatitis B and hepatitis C can be controlled with antiviral drugs, and autoimmune hepatitis often responds to drugs that suppress the immune system.
No matter what caused your cirrhosis, protecting your liver should be a top priority for both you and your doctor. First and foremost, you should avoid alcohol. You may also need to reduce the dosage of your medications or stop taking them completely.
Make sure your doctor knows about every drug you take, including nonprescription drugs and even natural remedies and supplements because many herbs can cause liver damage. You can give your liver an extra boost by eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet.
RELATED: The Essential Guide to Liver Transplants
With proper treatment, many people with cirrhosis can still lead active lives, especially if their condition is caught in the early stages. But not all patients can live with the damage. If severe complications set in, or if the liver shuts down completely, a liver transplant may be your best hope for survival. Once the new liver is in place, you have a good chance for recovery. The five-year survival rate for liver transplant patients is 75 percent. Unfortunately, livers are in short supply and the waiting lists can be long, especially for Black patients, who are often less likely to be placed on waiting lists. Additionally, not every patient is healthy enough to withstand the operation. Ask your doctor if a liver transplant is a good option for you.