Alcohol has a negative impact on the liver – this is probably something many people already know. However, not everyone has the courage to say “no” to alcohol to proactively prevent the disease. The case of a 60-year-old male patient from Son La is a warning for those addicted to alcohol, especially those with liver disease.
Alcohol – The “silent killer” that destroys the liver
Patient NVA (60 years old, Son La) came for a general health check-up at MEDLATEC Thanh Xuan General Clinic. At the time of the examination, the patient was tired and had dark yellow urine.
Five years ago, Mr. A. was diagnosed with cirrhosis, but because he did not see any symptoms of decompensation, he subjectively did not seek treatment and did not comply with the doctor's instructions for follow-up examinations.
In addition, the patient also had a habit of drinking half a liter of alcohol every day for the past 20 years, even after receiving the results of cirrhosis.
At the clinic, after a clinical examination and necessary tests and imaging diagnosis. The results of the patient's liver enzyme indexes AST, ALT, and Bilirubin in the blood increased at an alarming level, along with decompensated cirrhosis, accompanied by abdominal fluid. At the same time, the patient's test results also showed positive for hepatitis B. The doctor made a definitive diagnosis of decompensated cirrhosis with chronic hepatitis B.
The patient's MRI scan results showed images of cirrhosis, enlarged spleen, and fluid surrounding the liver.
Concluding this case, Dr. Ngo Chi Cuong - Deputy Director of MEDLATEC General Hospital; Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine, MEDLATEC Healthcare System said: "The patient had a history of cirrhosis but did not receive treatment, leading to severe decompensated cirrhosis. Along with the accompanying chronic hepatitis B, if not treated promptly, it can cause the HBV virus to flare up with a large load and the patient's body will not have enough resistance to fight it, causing complications of acute and chronic liver failure, hepatic coma, complete loss of liver function and the serious consequence is death if not receiving a liver transplant".
Liver and biliary diseases - Failure to comply with treatment will "suffer" unpredictable consequences
Cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B are both dangerous hepatobiliary diseases if not treated properly, persistently and with discipline. Failure to comply with treatment can lead to liver failure, liver dysfunction and the ultimate consequence is death without a liver transplant.
Chronic hepatitis B is caused by the HBV virus that persists in the human body for more than 6 months. This disease often progresses silently with vague clinical symptoms. By the time it is detected, the disease may have progressed to the stage of decompensated cirrhosis.
Up to now, there is still no complete cure for chronic hepatitis B, only drug regimens to inhibit the activity of the virus. Especially for patients with cirrhosis, treatment needs to be carried out for life to help patients "live peacefully " with the virus.
According to Dr. Ngo Chi Cuong, patients with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B, complying with the doctor's treatment regimen is very important. Specifically, patients need to follow a scientific lifestyle, diet, take the right dose of medication and especially abstain from alcohol.
People with chronic hepatitis B need to strictly adhere to taking medication according to the treatment regimen prescribed by their doctor ( Illustration photo)
The doctor added that in reality, many cases of cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B, with strict adherence to the regimen and good response to medication, can lead a healthy life like a normal person. Therefore, to successfully treat this disease, patients need to be persistent and closely and flexibly monitored by their treating physician.
With the experience and strengths of a prestigious medical facility over the past nearly 3 decades, MEDLATEC is the address trusted by many patients with liver and biliary diseases for examination and treatment.
Leading experts accompany patients in examining liver and biliary diseases at MEDLATEC
Accordingly, in addition to performing examinations and tests at the Hospital/Clinic System nationwide, people can choose the on-site sample collection service to monitor indicators throughout the treatment regimen for liver and biliary diseases. This is a "golden" solution that helps customers save time and travel costs while still being completely assured of accurate results and receiving dedicated advice from a team of experts and doctors via online connection.
Contact hotline 1900 56 56 56 immediately to receive the most detailed advice from MEDLATEC doctors about your medical condition, or to schedule a timely examination/test.
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