Can you live with moderate cirrhosis?

Table of Contents

What is cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a condition where the liver becomes permanently scarred over time. This scarring prevents the liver from working properly and can lead to liver failure. Cirrhosis has different stages based on the amount of scarring present. The stages are:

Compensated cirrhosis – Early cirrhosis where the liver is still able to function normally.
Decompensated cirrhosis – More advanced cirrhosis where the liver has lost some function.

End-stage cirrhosis – Very severe cirrhosis resulting in liver failure.

Moderate cirrhosis falls under the decompensated stage. At this point, the scarring has reduced liver function, but not to the point of liver failure. People with moderate cirrhosis will experience some symptoms and complications but often can still live an active life with proper medical care.

What causes cirrhosis?

There are several potential causes of cirrhosis:

Alcoholic liver disease – Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over many years. This is the most common cause in the United States.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – Buildup of fat in the liver, often related to obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Chronic viral hepatitis – Hepatitis B or hepatitis C infections that become long-term.

Biliary cirrhosis – Damage to the bile ducts from conditions like primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Inherited diseases – Genetic disorders like hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, galactosemia, and glycogen storage diseases.
Autoimmune disease – When the immune system attacks the liver, as in autoimmune hepatitis.

In some cases the specific cause may be unknown. The scarring itself happens because of the liver’s response to injury and long-term inflammation.

What are the symptoms of moderate cirrhosis?

People with compensated cirrhosis often have no symptoms in the early stages. Once the disease progresses to moderate cirrhosis, various symptoms and complications can develop:

Swelling and fluid retention (edema) – The abdomen, legs and feet may swell.

Jaundice – Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
Itching – Itchy skin caused by bile buildup.
Spider veins – Small, spider-like blood vessels visible under the surface of the skin.

Gastrointestinal bleeding – Caused by portal hypertension pressing on veins.
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Weakness and fatigue

Weight loss and muscle wasting

People with moderate cirrhosis may also experience complications such as:

Portal hypertension – Increased blood pressure in the portal vein leading to complications.

Varices – Enlarged veins that can rupture and bleed.
Ascites – Fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity.
Hepatic encephalopathy – Confusion and altered mental state from toxins circulating in the bloodstream.

Gallstones
Osteoporosis

The severity of symptoms and how much they impact quality of life depends on the individual. With proper management, some people may have minimal symptoms.

What is the life expectancy with moderate cirrhosis?

Life expectancy can vary greatly from person to person with moderate cirrhosis. On average, data shows:

The overall 5-year survival rate is around 50%. However, this depends on the cause and other factors.
For alcohol-related cirrhosis, the 5-year survival rate is 23-50%.

For primary biliary cholangitis, the 10-year survival rate is 50-70%.

Proper treatment and lifestyle changes can help prolong survival. With early diagnosis and diligent monitoring, some people can live with compensated cirrhosis for decades. However, moderate cirrhosis carries a risk of progressing to liver failure and reduced life expectancy without a liver transplant.

How is moderate cirrhosis treated?

There is no cure for cirrhosis, but the goals of treatment are to slow the progression, manage complications, prevent further liver damage, and reduce symptoms. Some key aspects include:

Treating the underlying cause – Stopping alcohol use, managing viruses, controlling autoimmune diseases.
Lifestyle changes – Eating a nutritious diet, staying active, achieving a healthy weight.
Medications – Diuretics, beta blockers, antibiotics, steroids, antiviral and antifungal drugs.

Endoscopic procedures – To stop bleeding varices or reduce portal hypertension.
Supplements – Vitamins, zinc, antioxidants.
Avoiding hepatotoxins – Salt, tobacco, some herbs and drugs.

Vaccinations – Against pneumonia, influenza, hepatitis A and B.
Monitoring for cancer – Screening for liver cancer.

Management requires close monitoring and early intervention when complications arise. For end-stage cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be necessary. With the right treatment plan, people with moderate cirrhosis can maintain their health and quality of life.

What lifestyle changes help manage moderate cirrhosis?

Making the following lifestyle adjustments can help control symptoms, prevent complications, and support liver health with moderate cirrhosis:

Stop all alcohol use – Alcohol abstinence is crucial to prevent further liver damage and gives the liver a chance to recover.
Eat small, nutrient-dense meals – Eating smaller, frequent meals puts less strain on the liver.

Increase protein intake – Getting adequate protein helps maintain muscle mass.
Reduce sodium intake – Limiting salt can minimize fluid retention.
Stay hydrated – Drink fluids consistently to avoid dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea or diuretics.

Limit fatty foods – Decreasing fat intake helps manage nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Lose weight if overweight – Achieving a healthy weight reduces liver inflammation.
Take supplements as needed – Supplements recommended by a doctor can prevent deficiencies.

Avoid herbals and supplements that stress the liver – Such as high-dose niacin, comfrey, kava kava, and skullcap.
Get moderate daily exercise – Simple activity helps increase blood flow and maintain muscle tone.
Manage other medical conditions – Controlling things like diabetes and heart disease reduces strain on the liver.

Making lifestyle modifications under medical supervision can go a long way in preserving liver function.

What are the pros and cons of living with moderate cirrhosis?

Living with moderate cirrhosis has both advantages and disadvantages:

Potential advantages:

Life expectancy is still fairly decent with proper treatment.
Symptoms may be mild or managed well in some people.
You can still live a fulfilling and active life.

It may be years before the disease progresses to end-stage cirrhosis.
Lifestyle changes and treatment can slow progression of liver damage.

Potential disadvantages:

Symptoms like ascites and jaundice can severely impact quality of life.
Debilitating fatigue, weakness and weight loss.
Requires intensive long-term medical care.

Risk of life-threatening bleeding from varices.
Development of liver cancer is more likely.
Frequent medical visits and procedures.

Dietary restrictions and medication side effects.
Stress on relationships and finances from chronic illness.
Possibility of eventual liver transplant.

It’s a very individual experience. With commitment to treatment, some people find the advantages outweigh the downsides. Thorough discussions with medical providers allow for informed decisions.

What should you ask your doctor when diagnosed with moderate cirrhosis?

Important questions to ask when first diagnosed with moderate cirrhosis include:

What is the cause of my cirrhosis? Is it reversible?

What stage is my cirrhosis? How extensive is the liver damage?
What are my test results, like bilirubin, albumin and INR levels?
What symptoms should I report right away?

Should I see a specialist like a hepatologist or gastroenterologist?
What medications will I need to take?
What side effects are possible from the medications?

What are the most important lifestyle changes for me?
What foods, herbs or drugs do I need to avoid?
Do I need vaccinations or health screenings?

Should I limit my physical activity? What exercise is safe?
Do I need other referrals, like to a nutritionist?
Will my cirrhosis progress? What is the long-term outlook?

How often should I follow up? What tests will be done?
Am I a candidate for a liver transplant at some point?

Learning as much as you can equips you to actively participate in your treatment. Make sure to communicate all your concerns, goals and preferences to your doctor.

What support options are available when living with cirrhosis?

Taking advantage of professional and community support resources can help when living with moderate cirrhosis:

Find a support group – Connect with others facing the same challenges.
Join online patient communities – Benefit from shared experiences.

Seek mental health counseling – Help process emotional aspects of chronic disease.
Ask for social worker support – Assistance with care coordination, transportation, finances.
Speak to a nutritionist – Tailor your diet to needs and restrictions.

Enlist home health care – In-home assistance with medical, household tasks.
Talk to your employer – Discuss schedule changes or accommodations.
Alert loved ones – Accept help from family and close friends.

Prioritize self-care – Make time for adequate rest, healthy food, exercise.
Consider alternative medicine – Options like meditation, massage, acupuncture.

Seeking out resources and being proactive reduces stress. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance to maximize your well-being.

Conclusion

Moderate cirrhosis presents challenges but does not have to prevent you from living life on your terms. While there is currently no cure, focus on controlling symptoms, improving quality of life, and limiting progression where possible. Take an active role in your care and don’t hesitate to speak up about your concerns. With the right treatment and support, those with moderate cirrhosis can continue enjoying what matters most.