Cirrhosis

How Is Cirrhosis Treated?

The key to treatment is removing the cause. The main treatment is then supportive and includes a high-calorie diet and salt (sodium) and fluid restriction (to control fluid accumulation). For severe fluid accumulation in the belly (ascites) or edema, diuretic medicines can be given. Other drugs are given for mental confusion and coma.

Treatment of the complication of increased pressure in the blood vessels in the belly (portal hypertension) depends on its severity. Medicines and endoscopy (a lighted flexible tube used to look at the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine) can be used for treatment of enlarged veins in the esophagus (varices) to prevent bleeding. Surgery, shunting of the blood vessels (portacaval shunt), and liver transplantation are other treatment options.

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing Cirrhosis:

• DO stop drinking alcohol. An alcohol rehabilitation program can help.
• DO eat a well-balanced diet. You may need to limit protein because the liver may be unable to use it.
• DO change activities according to your symptoms. A good fitness program may help fatigue.
• DO get hepatitis B vaccine if you’re in a high-risk group (e.g., health care worker, homosexual), and get treated promptly for hepatitis.
• DO have family members checked for cirrhosis if your family has a history of cirrhosis or inherited diseases that cause it.
• DO call your health care provider if during treatment you vomit blood or have black stool (bowel movements), bright red blood in your stool, increase in fluid accumulation in your belly or feet, or fever.

• DON’T use any alcohol.
• DON’T use medicines, such as acetaminophen, sedatives, and tranquilizers, that can harm the liver.