Is early-stage cirrhosis treatable?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 01, 2024
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Whether early symptoms of cirrhosis can be treated depends on the cause of the cirrhosis. If the cause of the cirrhosis is clear and can be effectively suppressed, then the early symptoms of cirrhosis can be effectively treated. For example, if the cirrhosis is caused by chronic hepatitis B virus infection, then the use of antiviral drugs such as entecavir, tenofovir, and adefovir can effectively control the further development of cirrhosis. However, if the cirrhosis is caused by autoimmune liver diseases or cholestatic liver cirrhosis, the treatment might not be as effective, because there are no specifically effective treatments available for these diseases. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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Is liver cirrhosis with ascites contagious?

Liver cirrhosis in the decompensated stage with ascites present is not inherently contagious. Whether the condition is infectious depends not on the severity of liver function, the degree of liver cirrhosis, or the gravity of ascites, but rather on the underlying cause of the liver cirrhosis. For example, liver cirrhosis caused by alcohol consumption is not contagious. However, if the liver cirrhosis is due to viral hepatitis, such as commonly seen with hepatitis B or C, the condition can be infectious. Therefore, the presence of ascites or liver cirrhosis itself is not an indicator of infectiousness; the crucial factor is whether there is an infectious virus present.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is it serious if someone with cirrhosis doesn't have bowel movements?

Cirrhosis without bowel movements does not necessarily mean that the condition is very severe. Patients with cirrhosis who have no bowel movements might be experiencing poor digestion, leading to slow intestinal movements and subsequently constipation. However, constipation can potentially trigger hepatic encephalopathy, thus it requires proactive treatment. Oral lactulose can be used for bowel movement, or an enema with white vinegar to acidify the intestines can also be administered. Patients with cirrhosis who develop hepatic encephalopathy, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or primary peritonitis are experiencing severe conditions and need to actively undergo corresponding treatment measures. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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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Written by Zhang Jian Kang
Infectious Disease
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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.