Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. Each time your liver is injured, it tries to repair itself. In the process, scar tissue forms. As the cirrhosis progresses, more and more scar tissue forms, making it difficult for the liver to function.
Causes:
- Chronic alcohol abuse: Long-term alcohol consumption can damage liver cells.
- Chronic viral hepatitis: Hepatitis B, C, and D infections can lead to cirrhosis.
- Fat accumulating in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease): This can lead to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may progress to cirrhosis.
- Iron buildup in the body (hemochromatosis)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Copper accumulated in the liver (Wilson’s disease)
- Poorly formed bile ducts (biliary atresia)
- Genetic digestive disorder (Alagille syndrome)
- Liver disease caused by your body’s immune system (autoimmune hepatitis)
- Destruction of the bile ducts (primary biliary cirrhosis)
- Hardening and scarring of the bile ducts (primary sclerosing cholangitis)
- Infection such as schistosomiasis
- Medications like methotrexate or isoniazid
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Itchy skin
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Swelling in the legs
- Weight loss
- Confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech (hepatic encephalopathy)
- Spider-like blood vessels on the skin
- Red palms (palmar erythema)
Complications:
- High blood pressure in the veins that supply the liver (portal hypertension)
- Swelling in the legs and abdomen
- Enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly)
- Bleeding
- Infections
- Malnutrition
- Buildup of toxins in the brain (hepatic encephalopathy)
- Jaundice
- Bone disease
- Increased risk of liver cancer
- Acute-on-chronic cirrhosis
Diagnosis:
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests like CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound
- Liver biopsy
- Transient elastography and magnetic resonance elastography
Homoeopathy Treatment
Homeopathy, a form of alternative medicine, seeks to treat patients with highly diluted substances aiming to trigger the body’s natural healing processes.
some homeopathic remedies often mentioned for liver health and cirrhosis include:
- Carduus Marianus (Milk Thistle):
- Used for liver disorders, especially when associated with jaundice, ascites, and swelling.
- Chelidonium Majus:
- Used for liver and gallbladder problems, jaundice, and pain in the liver region.
- Lycopodium Clavatum:
- Used for liver enlargement, digestive disturbances, and bloating.
- Nux Vomica:
- Used for liver dysfunction related to excess alcohol and rich food intake, and digestive issues.
- Phosphorus:
- Used for fatty degeneration of the liver and jaundice.
- Sulphur:
- Used for liver problems with skin manifestations like itching and eruptions.
- Natrum Sulphuricum:
- Used for liver conditions with symptoms of bloating and jaundice.
While homeopathy may offer symptomatic relief for some patients, it is crucial to approach cirrhosis with comprehensive care that includes conventional medical treatments and lifestyle changes to manage the condition effectively.
