Treating Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a condition where the liver is damaged. Scar tissue slowly replaces healthy tissue. Treatment can control or slow liver scarring. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely to get the most out of your treatment. Ask your family and friends for support.
Making a treatment plan
You and your healthcare provider will decide on a treatment plan that is best for you. The plan may include one or more of the following:
- Not drinking alcohol. Heavy alcohol use can damage the liver. Once the liver is damaged, even a small amount of alcohol can cause problems. You can slow down the cirrhosis getting worse if you stop all alcohol use.
- Taking medicines. You may need to take certain medicines to treat some causes of cirrhosis. These include infection or a bile duct blockage. For instance, hepatitis C can now be cured with medicine.You may also need medicine to help your blood clot. You may need medicine if your immune system is attacking the liver or bile ducts. You should not take certain other medicines if you have cirrhosis. These include NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Treating symptoms. Cirrhosis can cause swelling in your stomach and legs. A low salt diet can help ease these symptoms. Certain medicines (diuretics) can help reduce swelling as well by getting rid of water from the body.
- Eating healthy foods. A diet low in fat, high in fiber, and full of fresh fruits and vegetables helps you stay healthy.
- Losing extra weight. This is especially important if you are overweight, or have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides. Controlling these conditions can slow down the progression of cirrhosis. Exercise and diet can help you lose weight.
Severe cases of cirrhosis may need special treatments. Your healthcare provider can discuss them with you.
Vaccines
Be sure to ask your healthcare provider about recommended vaccines. These include vaccines for viruses than can cause liver disease.
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Do not drink alcohol
Alcohol use can destroy liver cells. If you have problems quitting alcohol, ask your healthcare provider to get the support you need. Your healthcare provider may be able to suggest local groups that can help you stop drinking.
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