Can alcoholic liver cirrhosis be cured?

Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Cirrhosis caused by alcohol can be treated clinically. The first and foremost treatment for alcoholic cirrhosis is abstinence from alcohol. If one cannot abstain, no treatment will achieve the desired effect or be of much use. Once cirrhosis has developed, the condition cannot be reversed; it can only be managed with medications to slow the progression of the cirrhosis and reduce the occurrence of complications. If financial circumstances allow, a liver transplant can be considered for treatment. Naturally, alcoholic cirrhosis can also be treated with a liver transplant. Thus, alcoholic cirrhosis is a treatable condition.

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Written by Zhang Jian Kang
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Is hepatitis B cirrhosis contagious?

If hepatitis B is not well controlled, it can easily lead to the occurrence of cirrhosis. After the hepatitis B virus infects the human body, it causes repeated inflammatory damage to the liver, with recurring abnormalities in liver function. If during this period there is no formal antiviral treatment or lack of attention, it is very likely to lead to the development of cirrhosis. Once cirrhosis from hepatitis B occurs, it is generally irreversible. Cirrhosis due to hepatitis B is also an infectious disease, and its level of infectiousness mainly depends on the presence of the virus. If the viral load is positive, indicated by a positive HBV-DNA test, then it is infectious. If HBV-DNA is negative, then it is not infectious. Therefore, whether cirrhosis from hepatitis B is infectious primarily depends on the level of HBV-DNA.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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What causes stomach pain in the early stages of cirrhosis?

Early stages of cirrhosis may present with stomach pain, likely due to erosion in the stomach caused by the cirrhosis. It is recommended to promptly complete a gastroscopy to rule out the presence of portal hypertensive gastropathy or esophagogastric varices, while also testing for Helicobacter pylori infection. If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment should be based on the underlying cause. Consider using proton pump inhibitors to suppress stomach acid secretion, or using antacids like aluminum magnesium carbonate to protect the stomach lining. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Si Li Li
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What are the complications of late-stage liver cirrhosis?

Late-stage cirrhosis can lead to many complications, such as bleeding from esophageal and gastric varices, which is one of the more common and severe complications of cirrhosis. Other complications include spontaneous peritonitis, liver cancer, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatic encephalopathy, portal vein thrombosis, and symptoms like ascites, palmar erythema, and spider angiomas. Additionally, there may be symptoms such as dark skin or hyperpigmentation and jaundice. Once cirrhosis is diagnosed, timely intervention and treatment are necessary to delay the progression of the disease.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
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Can cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B virus be cured?

Hepatitis B virus-induced cirrhosis was previously considered incurable, though its progression could be slowed. However, recent observations and studies have shown that a small fraction of patients with early-stage hepatitis B virus-induced cirrhosis can be cured. However, the proportion of these patients is extremely low. To draw an analogy, cirrhosis is like our houses. If the cement, steel bars, and brick structure are damaged, then the house is difficult to repair. Cirrhosis is akin to the structural damage of the house, making it hard to recover.

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How long can one live with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis?

We cannot give a definite answer on how long a patient with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis can live, as the life expectancy in late-stage cirrhosis is influenced by many factors including treatment measures, lifestyle adjustments, daily healthcare, and physical condition. Patients in the compensated stage of cirrhosis, if treated and the progression of cirrhosis is halted, with normal liver function and negative hepatitis B virus replication indicators, can work normally. In this state, the quality of life is good, and they can live to 70 to 80 years old. For patients in the decompensated stage of cirrhosis, if untreated and the cirrhosis is allowed to progress, about 70 to 80% may die within 5 years; however, aggressive treatment, including traditional Chinese medicine for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, combined with antiviral treatment, bleeding prevention, liver protection, and liver transplantation, can significantly increase the survival time of patients.