National Liver Care Day丨Early prevention and early screening to avoid liver cirrhosis

March 18, 2024 is the 24th "National Liver Care Day". This year's publicity theme is "Early prevention and early screening, stay away from cirrhosis". We call on the whole society to take action to popularize the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis, actively screen, standardize treatment, and regularly follow up, so as to reduce the occurrence of cirrhosis.

【Interpretation】

Early screening for liver cirrhosis brings peace of mind - common causes

Viral hepatitis

Currently in my country, viral hepatitis, especially chronic hepatitis B and C, is the main factor causing portal cirrhosis.

Circulatory disorders

Chronic congestive heart failure and chronic constrictive pericarditis can cause long-term congestion and hypoxia in the liver, leading to liver cell necrosis and fibrosis, which is called congestive cirrhosis, also known as cardiac cirrhosis.

Cholestasis

When there is extrahepatic bile duct obstruction or intrahepatic cholestasis, high concentrations of bilirubin can damage liver cells, and cirrhosis may occur over time. The one caused by intrahepatic cholestasis is called primary biliary cirrhosis, and the one caused by extrahepatic bile duct obstruction is called secondary biliary cirrhosis.

Early screening for liver cirrhosis brings peace of mind - specific manifestations of liver cirrhosis

1. Edema in the lower limbs

Lower limb edema is one of the main characteristics of many patients with cirrhosis, which may indicate an impairment in the physiological function of the liver in synthesizing protein.

2. Bleeding gums

If cirrhosis of the liver develops, the gums will bleed easily. This phenomenon indicates that the liver's coagulation ability has decreased. You should be alert to the continued development of cirrhosis and the continuous weakening of liver function.

3. Yellow and chlorotic skin

If cirrhosis occurs, the skin color will turn yellow and bloodless. This is mainly because cirrhosis will cause the bilirubin level to rise during the course of the disease. If the liver cannot excrete it, it will accumulate in the blood and the skin color will change accordingly. In severe cases, not only the face will turn yellow, but even the whole body will turn yellow, and sometimes even the whites of the eyes will turn yellow.

Early screening for liver cirrhosis brings peace of mind - How to screen for liver cirrhosis

1. Liver stiffness test

2. Four tests of serum liver function and liver fibrosis

3. Urine test

4. Ultrasound examination

5. CT scan

【Hot Questions】

1. Is it necessary for healthy people to take liver-protecting drugs?

Xie Zhengzheng, pharmacist and deputy director of the Department of Pharmacy at Beijing Century Memorial Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University: If you are a healthy person, there is no need to take liver-protecting drugs to prevent liver damage.

2. Do I need to take liver-protecting medicine if I find out that my liver function is abnormal?

Xu Jinghang, deputy chief physician of the Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital: This depends on the degree of liver function abnormality. If the liver function is slightly abnormal, the transaminase is slightly higher, there is no jaundice, no albumin decrease, and no abnormal coagulation function, you can observe first, and further check the cause of the liver function abnormality, and then use symptomatic drugs to treat liver disease. For example, if the liver function is abnormal due to chronic hepatitis C, anti-hepatitis C drugs are needed, and chronic hepatitis B requires anti-hepatitis B virus drugs.

3. What are the effects of long-term use of liver protection products?

Xu Jinghang: Some liver diseases require long-term use of liver protection drugs, such as primary biliary cholangitis. Some liver diseases can be cured through certain treatments, such as hepatitis caused by drinking. After drinking stops, liver function may return to normal, and there is no need to take liver protection drugs for a long time. Long-term use of liver protection health foods should first be considered whether it is necessary. Even if it is necessary, it is also necessary to monitor whether the health products have some adverse effects on the body, liver, kidneys, and blood system.

4. Do I need to take liver-protecting medicine if I often stay up late and drink alcohol?

Xie Zhengzheng: Staying up late and not getting enough sleep will cause a relative lack of blood flow to the liver, affecting the nourishment of liver cells. 11pm to 1am is the time for liver detoxification. If you stay up late during this period, it will cause liver toxins to accumulate. Alcohol will directly poison liver cells, affecting their structure and function, causing alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic fatty liver.

【Conditioning】

1. Pay attention to diet

Reasonable intake of protein; adequate intake of carbohydrates; appropriate consumption of foods high in zinc; more green leafy vegetables, peas, dairy products, cereals and other foods; eat more foods rich in vitamins, especially foods containing vitamin C, which is directly involved in liver metabolism and can promote the formation of liver glycogen.

2. Strictly control tobacco and alcohol

For people with liver disease and cirrhosis, alcohol and cigarettes must be avoided.

3. Get enough sleep

People with cirrhosis and other liver diseases should develop the habit of going to bed early.

4. Exercise moderately

In the early stages of cirrhosis, appropriate and moderate exercise should be performed to promote the metabolism of liver function, generally consisting of aerobic exercise such as jogging, walking, Tai Chi, swimming, cycling, etc.

In summary, cirrhosis is often transformed from hepatitis. There are generally no obvious symptoms in the early stage, while upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hepatic encephalopathy often occur in the late stage. It is recommended that patients with hidden dangers undergo early screening and consult a specialist for appropriate treatment.