Treating Cirrhosis

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:
  • Vaccines for flu , pneumonia , and hepatitis
  • Avoiding raw seafood