Patients in advanced stages of liver cancer are in very fragile physical condition, with a significant reduction in their resistance to infection, which is one of the major factors contributing to the deterioration of the condition. Knowledge on the prevention and treatment of infections among persons with advanced liver cancer is critical to improving their quality of life and extending their lifespan.
Reasons for the vulnerability of persons with advanced liver cancer
The body has a low immune function.
The immune system for patients with advanced liver cancer has been severely damaged. On the one hand, tumour cells themselves release a number of immunosuppressive factors and inhibit the immune response of the organism. On the other hand, the development of liver cancer can lead to malnutrition among patients, lack of nutrients such as protein, and affect the synthesis and functioning of immune cells. In addition, late-stage liver cancer patients often receive a variety of treatments, such as chemotherapy, decomposition and so forth, which, while killing tumour cells, can also cause damage to normal immunosupulation cells and further weaken the resilience of the organism.
Liver function impaired.
The liver is an important metabolic and immune organ in the human body. In late stages of liver cancer, the liver function is severely reduced. For example, the reduced capacity of the liver to synthesize protein results in lower plasma protein levels and lower resistance to infection in the organism. At the same time, the detoxification of the liver is impaired and the toxins in the body are not effectively removed, which can cause internal environmental disorders and contribute to the growth of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Furthermore, the reduction in the synthesis of immuno-related substances, such as liver to patches, has affected the immune defence mechanisms of the body.
Invasive operations increase the risk of infection
Late-stage liver cancer patients may be subject to various intrusive operations due to their condition, such as PTCD, central intravenous tube, etc. These operations can disrupt the skin and mucous membrane barriers, provide a direct route to the human body and increase the risk of infection.
Types of common infections and hazards
Cervical infections
This is the more common type of infection among persons with advanced liver cancer. As liver cancer can lead to high foetal pressure, abdominal water, etc., the internal abdominal environment is conducive to bacterial reproduction. Patients can suffer from abdominal pain, abdominal swelling and fever, and severe abdominal infections can cause infectious shock and endanger life.
Lung infections
Lung infections are also common among persons with advanced liver cancer. Patients may show signs of cough, cough, breathing difficulties, etc. Pulmonary infections increase the respiratory burden on patients, lead to lower blood oxygen levels, further affect oxygen supply and metabolism in the organism, and also increase the heart burden and complicate the condition.
Urine system infections
Some late-stage liver cancer patients are vulnerable to urology infection due to long-term bed rest and urination. Symptoms such as urine frequency, excrement, urinary pain, and if the urology system is not controlled in a timely manner, it can cause retrogression and even sepsis.
Anti-infection measures for persons with advanced liver cancer
Prevention of infection
1. Strengthening nutritional support: ensuring adequate intake of nutrients such as calories, proteins and vitamins. For patients who do not eat properly, they can be replenished by either nasal feeding or extra gastrointestinal nutrition. Foods with high-quality proteins, such as eggs, milk, fish, etc., can be selected, while fresh vegetables and fruits are added to increase the body ‘ s immunity.
2. Maintenance of environmental health: the environment in which the patient lives is kept clean and regularly disinfected, especially with regard to the surface, surface, etc. of the items in the ward. Maintain air flow and adjust appropriate temperature and humidity.
Reduce the risks associated with intrusive operations: If intrusive operations are required, the principle of sterile operations is strictly followed. In the case of retained catheters, etc., care is to be taken, they are to be kept clean, dressings are to be replaced regularly and the catheters are to be checked to prevent infection.
4. Oral and skin care: to urge patients to exercise their mouths, to keep them clean and to prevent the growth of oral bacteria. In the case of long-term bed patients, there is a time to flip, massage, keep their skin dry, clean, prevent scabies from forming and reduce the chance of skin infection.
Treatment after infection
1. Timely diagnosis and treatment: If a patient suffers from an infection such as fever, pain, etc., a timely examination should be carried out, e.g., blood culture, sapling, abdominal examination, etc., to identify the pathogens. The use of antibiotics for treatment is reasonable, depending on the pathogen type and the drug-sensitive results.
2. Watch closely the evolution of the condition: during anti-infection treatment, the life signs and symptoms of the patient are closely observed. Such as temperature, blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, etc., and abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, cough, etc. If the condition deteriorates, the treatment programme is adjusted in a timely manner.
3. Comprehensive treatment: Prevention of infection should not be accompanied by the neglect of primary and support treatment for liver cancer, such as pain relief and maintenance of hydrolytic balance, in order to improve the overall treatment of patients.
In general, anti-infection control for persons with advanced liver cancer is a systematic and complex task that requires the collaboration of health-care personnel, patients and their families to actively prevent and effectively treat infections and to protect the lives and health of patients.
Liver cancer
