Treatment
Treatments depend on the cause of cirrhosis, how severe it is, and what symptoms you have. Treatments fall into a few main categories, including those that:
1.
Treat the cause of the disease — Some cause of cirrhosis can be treated. For example, people with cirrhosis caused by heavy alcohol use can stop drinking alcohol. People with chronic viral hepatitis B or C can take medicines.
2.
Lower the risk of bleeding — Cirrhosis can cause the blood vessels around the oesophagus (food pipe) to swell or even burst and bleed. To prevent that from happening, doctors may prescribe medicines called “beta-blockers”. These medicines reduce blood pressure in the liver, and help to reduce the chance of bleeding.
3.
Prevent and decrease fluid build-up in the belly — In people with cirrhosis, the belly sometimes filled with fluid. To prevent and decrease fluid build-up, doctors will advise you to reduce the amount of salt you eat and may prescribe medicines called “diuretics”.
4.
Treat confusion — Advanced cirrhosis can lead to confusion. Doctors may prescribe you lactulose (a medicine to soften the stool) or certain antibiotics to treat the confusion. Liver transplantation may be an option in people with end-stage liver cirrhosis.