Treatment
There is no treatment to cure cirrhosis. The goals of treatment are to:
- Control the cause
- Prevent additional damage
- Treat symptoms and complications
- Treat underlying medical conditions
Treatments include:
Medication
Doctors prescribe drugs to:
- Treat hepatitis and complications that arise
- Reduce the absorption of waste products and toxins in the digestive system
- Reduce the risk of a blood vessel breaking
- Fight infections
- Shed excess fluids
Surgery
Liver transplant —may be performed if:
- Complications can no longer be controlled using medical therapy
- The liver stops functioning
Endoscopy—This is used to tie off bleeding blood vessels (varices) or inject drugs to cause clotting. A thin tool with a lighted tip is inserted down the throat to help the doctor see and access the varices, which are located in the esophagus.
Self-care
- Be careful not to further damage your liver.
- Stop drinking alcohol.
- Do not take any medications without your doctor's approval, including over-the-counter drugs.
- Eat a balanced diet. You may need extra calories and a generous amount of protein to help your liver regenerate.
- If your liver disease is more advanced, you may need to limit protein intake, because your weakened liver won't be able to process it properly.
- You may need to limit salt in your diet because it increases water retention.
- Take any vitamin supplements your doctor recommends.
- Put your feet and legs up to decrease swelling.
- Due to increased risk of infections, doctors recommend:
If you are diagnosed with cirrhosis, follow your doctor's instructions .
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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