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Suggest Treatment For Liver Cirrhosis And Hepatitis C
Question: I have recently been diagnosed with cirrhosis and hep.c I've drank alcohol for 40 years they had to drain fluid off abdomen for first time 2 months ago what treatment should i be taking and should i treat the hep.c at all i feel so tired haven't drank since diagnosed 6 wks all i do is sleep is this from coming off of the alcohol
Brief Answer:
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I am sorry to hear about your health issue.
Your liver is damaged irreversibly with a condition called cirrhosis. It is decompensated also which is why fluid got accumulated in your abdomen.
Both chronic alcohol intake and hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis.
The following things should be done -
For cirrhosis -
1. Salt restricted diet
2. Diuretic medications ( like spiranolatone)
3. An upper GI endoscopy to look for varices (engorged blood vessels which can bleed and cause blood vomiting and black stool). If varices are found, then you may have to take medications like propranolol
4. Get an ultrasound scan done
5. To check kidney function as kidney function can get affected
6. If bowel movements are not good, then you may have to take laxatives like lactulose/lactitol.
7. Most importantly quit drinking alcohol
For hep c-
1. Check the genotype of Hep C
2. Check the hep C RNA levels
3. Get serum alpha feto protein level checked. Hep C can cause liver cancer and the AFP levels would be raised
4. Consider treating hep C. Newer medications have been approved by FDA.
You can discuss with your doctor about all these.
I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I am sorry to hear about your health issue.
Your liver is damaged irreversibly with a condition called cirrhosis. It is decompensated also which is why fluid got accumulated in your abdomen.
Both chronic alcohol intake and hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis.
The following things should be done -
For cirrhosis -
1. Salt restricted diet
2. Diuretic medications ( like spiranolatone)
3. An upper GI endoscopy to look for varices (engorged blood vessels which can bleed and cause blood vomiting and black stool). If varices are found, then you may have to take medications like propranolol
4. Get an ultrasound scan done
5. To check kidney function as kidney function can get affected
6. If bowel movements are not good, then you may have to take laxatives like lactulose/lactitol.
7. Most importantly quit drinking alcohol
For hep c-
1. Check the genotype of Hep C
2. Check the hep C RNA levels
3. Get serum alpha feto protein level checked. Hep C can cause liver cancer and the AFP levels would be raised
4. Consider treating hep C. Newer medications have been approved by FDA.
You can discuss with your doctor about all these.
I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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