Reducing Your Risk of Cirrhosis

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Here are some steps that may lower the risk of cirrhosis.

Avoid or Limit Alcohol

Alcohol use disorder is a common cause of cirrhosis. The risk of is higher in people who drink a lot at one time and those who drink often.

Do Not Use Tobacco

Chemicals in tobacco can harm to the liver. People with cirrhosis are at higher risk of getting liver cancer. This risk is even higher in those who smoke.

Lower the Risk of Getting Hepatitis

Practice Safe Sex

Hepatitis B and C can be spread through sex. Practicing safe sex can lower the risk. People who are sexually active can prevent getting or spreading these infections by:

Limiting sexual activity to one partner
Always using condoms during sexual activity

Do Not Share Needles

Hepatitis B and C can be spread through blood products and contaminated needles and syringes. People should not use IV drugs. Those who do should not share needles or syringes with others.

Get Vaccinated Against Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis. There is a vaccine that can prevent this infection.

Treat Non-Infectious Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis and other non-infectious forms of hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis. Follow care plans for these health problems.

Screen for Genetic Disease

People with a family history of genetic liver disease should get screened.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a major cause of liver disease. Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.

References:

Autoimmune hepatitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/autoimmune-hepatitis. Accessed January 6, 2021.

Cirrhosis. American Liver Foundation website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 6, 2021.

Cirrhosis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/cirrhosis. Accessed January 6, 2021.

Cirrhosis of the liver. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cirrhosis-of-the-liver-31. Accessed January 6, 2021.

Ge PS, Runyon BA. Treatment of Patients with Cirrhosis. N Engl J Med. 2016 Aug 25;375(8):767-777.

Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated: 1/6/2021

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