Cirrhosis primary prevention

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

Prevention includes avoiding agents that can cause cirrhosis, such as alcohol. Avoidance of high doses of certain supplements (vitamin A, copper and iron) can also prevent cirrhosis, as can getting vaccinated against hepatitis. Eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight, can also help in preventing cirrhosis.

Primary Prevention

Preventing Underlying Conditions

Some of the best ways to prevent acquiring cirrhosis of the liver is to avoid the conditions that may cause it. Drink alcohol in moderation because excess alcohol may cause cirrhosis of the liver. Getting plenty of physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and eating a healthy diet (such as an adequate caloric intake) can help to prevent cirrhosis.

There are also a few supplements that may actually worsen liver damage if taken in high doses. These include:

• Vitamin A
• Copper
• Iron

Vaccination for Hepatitis B is important for the prevention of cirrhosis. Reducing the incidence of Hepatitis B will in turn reduce the incidence of cirrhosis in the future. Along with vaccination, simply knowing the risk factors for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can help reduce those conditions as well as reduce the future incidence of cirrhosis.

Education about certain hepatotoxins such as acetaminophen and alcohol can help in preventing cirrhosis.

Certain strategies to control obesity as well as screening blood donors for certain viral hepatitides can help to reduce the social impact on the development of cirrhosis.

It also may be important to screen certain family members of people with cirrhosis caused by Wilson's disease or hemochromatosis. This can help to monitor and treat people in an attempt to reduce future cases. Patients with chronic liver disease should also be treated before the condition progresses to cirrhosis.

Preventing certain risky behaviors, such as the ones presented below, can help to prevent liver cirrhosis.

• Unprotected sexual intercourse
• Intravenous drug abuse
• Excessive alcohol intake