Lifestyle changes

Your doctor will recommend some lifestyle changes to help prevent further liver
damage.

Stop drinking alcohol. You need to quit completely.

Talk to your doctor about all of the medicines you take, including

nonprescription drugs such asacetaminophen (for

example, Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (for example, Advil or Motrin), and naproxen
(Aleve). These could increase the risk of liver damage and bleeding.
Get immunized (if you have not already) against hepatitis A andhepatitis

B, influenza, and pneumococcus.

Begin following a low-sodium diet if you have fluid buildup (ascites). Reducing
your sodium intake can help prevent fluid buildup in your belly and chest.

Treatment for complications of cirrhosis

Cirrhosis can cause other problems (complications) that need treatment with
medicines or procedures. Complications include:

Fluid buildup in the belly (ascites). It can be deadly if it is not controlled.

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Treatment can include:

Following a low-sodium diet.
Medicines such as diuretics and antibiotics.
Removing fluid with a needle (paracentesis).
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). This procedure

diverts fluid from the belly.

Bleeding from enlarged veins.Variceal bleeding in the digestive tract

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can be treated with:

Beta-blocker and vasoconstrictor medicines.
Shunts to move blood or other fluid away from the belly.
Endoscopic variceal banding or sclerotherapy to stop bleeding.
Balloon tamponade. A doctor inserts and inflates a balloon in the lower

part of the esophagus or upper part of the stomach. This stops bleeding by pressing
against the veins.
Changes in mental function.Encephalopathy may occur when the

liver cannot filter poisons from the bloodstream. As these toxins build up in your
blood, they can affect your brain function. You may need to:
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Eat a limited amount of protein. Too much protein can cause toxins to
build up.

Take lactulose. This medicine helps prevent the buildup

ofammonia and other toxins in the large intestine.

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Avoid sedative medicines, such as sleeping pills, antianxiety
medicines, and narcotics. These can make symptoms of encephalopathy worse.