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Cirrhosis Treatments

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 © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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