What causes stomach pain in the early stages of cirrhosis?

Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

Updated on November 23, 2024

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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 Yang Chun Guang

Gastroenterology

41sec

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Can alcoholic cirrhosis be contagious?

Cirrhosis caused by hepatitis formed by alcohol is not contagious in clinical settings. Contagious cirrhosis generally refers to viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis A, B, C, and E, which are infectious. Alcoholic cirrhosis, primarily caused by drinking, is not caused by viruses; hence, alcohol does not facilitate transmission between people. The common transmission modes involve fecal-oral routes, for instance, through blood and bodily fluids in hepatitis A and B. In contrast, alcoholic liver disease is relatively safe, so there is no need to worry about it being contagious.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 9sec

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What should be noted in the early stages of cirrhosis?

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.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

43sec

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Does early-stage cirrhosis cause leg swelling?

Generally, in the early stages of cirrhosis, there is no swelling in the legs. However, if a patient with cirrhosis reaches the advanced stage and develops hypoalbuminemia, swelling in the feet can easily occur. At the same time, there is also the possibility of complications such as ascites, portal hypertensive gastropathy, and esophagogastric varices, among others. If swelling of the legs occurs in patients with cirrhosis, it indicates that the patient has entered the decompensated stage. At this point, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible to complete the relevant examinations to determine the cause of the cirrhosis, so that targeted treatment can be administered based on the cause as soon as possible.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

52sec

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What are the symptoms of early cirrhosis?

Early-stage cirrhosis does not have specific symptoms, and its manifestations are not typical. Some patients may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience general weakness, aversion to greasy food, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain. If these symptoms occur, it is recommended to visit a hospital promptly for an examination to determine the specific illness. If diagnosed with cirrhosis, it is necessary to identify the cause. Common diseases that lead to cirrhosis include viral hepatitis, such as chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C, as well as alcoholic liver disease and fatty liver. Once the cause is identified, treatment can be targeted based on the specific cause.

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Written by Huang Gang

Gastroenterology

1min 2sec

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How long does it take for fatty liver to progress to cirrhosis?

How long does it take for fatty liver to progress to cirrhosis? Fatty liver is generally divided into mild, moderate, and severe fatty liver. If it is mild or moderate fatty liver, it can be reversed through proper exercise and diet control, meaning it can be cured. However, once it progresses to severe fatty liver, it can easily develop into cirrhosis, but the specific time required is about five years. Therefore, once we have fatty liver, it must be taken very seriously. With the improvement of living standards, most people are obese, which means that fatty liver is mostly caused by obesity. In terms of treatment, the focus is mainly on the cause, which is obesity. Patients need to follow a reasonable diet and actively exercise to lose weight. If successful in losing weight, fatty liver can be reversed, and we do not have to worry about fatty liver developing into cirrhosis.