Liver Diseases and Their Treatments

Liver disease is a complex condition with various types, each requiring different treatment approaches. Most liver diseases cannot be completely cured but can be managed through medication to control the symptoms. They often recur and, in severe cases, can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Western medicine is not the only option for treating liver diseases; traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) also offers effective treatments, which require face-to-face consultation for personalized diagnosis and treatment plans.

How Does TCM Treat Liver Diseases?

TCM primarily treats liver diseases through syndrome differentiation and treatment, which involves prescribing medicine based on the patient's symptoms, illness history, and condition. For instance, viral hepatitis is treated with different prescriptions or formulations depending on the specific syndrome type. Commonly used prescriptions include Chaihu Shugan San, Xiaoyao San, and Sijunzi Tang. TCM also includes acupuncture, needling, and external therapies as part of its treatment methods for liver diseases. The specific medications used should be prescribed by a doctor based on clinical assessment.

Common Types of Liver Diseases

1. Hepatitis: Hepatitis is the most common liver disease, with both viral and non-viral forms. It's important to note that almost all viral hepatitis is contagious, such as hepatitis A, B, and C. Other types like drug-induced hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis are less common and not transmissible.

2. Fatty Liver Disease: With improving living standards, fatty liver disease has become increasingly common. Early-stage fatty liver disease often lacks symptoms and doesn't significantly impact daily life, leading to its frequent overlook. However, moderate to severe fatty liver disease can have significant negative impacts on liver function and predispose individuals to various diseases. Fortunately, early-stage fatty liver disease can be reversed through dietary and exercise modifications.

3. Liver Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is the final stage of liver disease, often resulting from the progression of chronic liver conditions. Although cirrhosis is a serious condition, early intervention and treatment can help mitigate or even reverse the fibrotic process. Chronic liver disease patients should maintain healthy eating habits, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and engage in regular exercise to improve their overall health. While cirrhosis itself is not contagious, viral hepatitis, a common cause of cirrhosis, can be transmitted.

4. Liver Cancer: Labeled as the "king of cancers," liver cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy often asymptomatic in its early stages, making it difficult to detect. Once diagnosed, surgical resection may offer a curative option, but once the surgical window closes, effective treatment options become limited. Given the current medical limitations, liver transplantation is often not a viable option. Therefore, prevention is key, emphasizing the importance of treating predisposing conditions like viral hepatitis and cirrhosis, and avoiding moldy foods.

While liver cancer itself is not contagious, there is often a familial clustering of cases, which may be attributed to similar dietary habits and the familial aggregation tendency of viral hepatitis.

In conclusion, liver diseases are complex and diverse, requiring personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's condition. Western medicine and TCM both offer treatment options, and the best approach should be determined through face-to-face consultation with a healthcare professional.