Can liver cirrhosis heal? What are the treatment options for managing cirrhosis symptoms and preventing complications? Get answers about liver cirrhosis treatment from the NHS.

Understanding Cirrhosis: The Challenges of Healing

Cirrhosis is a serious liver condition that involves the scarring and hardening of liver tissue. Unfortunately, cirrhosis cannot usually be cured, but there are ways to manage the symptoms and complications, as well as stop the condition from getting worse. The treatment for cirrhosis depends on the underlying cause, but the focus is on lifestyle changes, medications, and in severe cases, a liver transplant.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Cirrhosis

If you have cirrhosis, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the risk of further problems and complications. These include:

• Avoiding alcohol
• Quitting smoking
• Losing weight if you’re overweight or obese
• Doing regular exercise to reduce muscle loss
• Practicing good hygiene to reduce the chance of getting infections
• Speaking to a GP about vaccinations you may need, such as the annual flu vaccine or travel vaccinations
• Speaking to a GP or pharmacist about any over-the-counter or prescription medicines you’re taking, as cirrhosis can affect the way some medicines work

Dietary Changes to Manage Cirrhosis

Malnutrition is common in people with cirrhosis, so it’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet to help you get all the nutrients you need. Cutting down on salt can also help reduce the chance of swelling in your legs, feet, and tummy caused by a build-up of fluid. The damage to your liver can mean it’s unable to store glycogen, which is a type of fuel the body needs for energy. This can lead to muscle loss and weakness, so you may need extra calories and protein in your diet. Eating healthy snacks between meals, or having 3 or 4 small meals each day, rather than 1 or 2 large meals, may help.

Medication for Cirrhosis Symptoms and Complications

The specific medications you may need will depend on the underlying cause of your cirrhosis. For example, if cirrhosis is from long-term viral hepatitis, you may be prescribed antiviral medication. You may also be offered medications to help ease the symptoms of cirrhosis, such as:

• Diuretics, used in combination with a low-salt diet to reduce fluid buildup and swelling (edema)
• Medications to help with high blood pressure in the main vein that takes blood to the liver (portal hypertension)
• Prescription creams to ease skin itching

Managing Cirrhosis Complications

As cirrhosis progresses and the liver can no longer function properly (decompensated cirrhosis), various complications may arise that require treatment, such as:

Swollen or Bleeding Veins

Cirrhosis can cause the veins in the esophagus (esophageal varices) or stomach (gastric varices) to become swollen. If these veins bleed, it can be a medical emergency. Treatment may involve medications, such as beta blockers, or procedures to stop the bleeding.

Fluid Buildup

A buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites) or legs and ankles (peripheral edema) is a common complication of progressing cirrhosis. The main treatments are a low-salt diet and diuretic medications. In severe cases, the fluid may need to be drained from the abdomen.

Encephalopathy

Cirrhosis can sometimes cause problems with brain function (encephalopathy), leading to symptoms like confusion, sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating. The main treatment is lactulose syrup, which helps clear toxins from the body.

Bleeding

Cirrhosis can affect the liver’s ability to make blood clot, increasing the risk of severe bleeding. Medications or blood products may be given to prevent or treat bleeding, and it’s important to talk to your doctor about the bleeding risk before any surgery or dental work.Liver Transplant: The Last Resort

If cirrhosis progresses and the liver is severely damaged, a liver transplant may be the only treatment option. This is a major operation that involves removing the diseased liver and replacing it with a healthy liver from a donor. It’s a complex procedure, but it can be a life-saving option for people with end-stage liver disease.

In summary, while cirrhosis cannot usually be cured, there are ways to manage the symptoms, prevent complications, and slow the progression of the disease. Lifestyle changes, medications, and in severe cases, a liver transplant, can all play a role in the treatment of cirrhosis. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop the best management plan for your specific situation.