What are the treatment options for cirrhosis?
If the cirrhosis is diagnosed early enough, damage may be minimized by treating its underlying cause. Alcohol dependency (alcoholism) treatment – it is important for the patient to stop drinking if their cirrhosis was caused by long-term, regular heavy alcohol consumption. In many cases the doctor will recommend a treatment program for alcoholism. Medications – the patient may be prescribed drugs to control liver cell damage caused by hepatitis B or C. Treating cirrhosis complications Ascites or edema – ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen) or edema (fluid retention in the legs) can be treated with a low-sodium (salt) diet and water pills. In severe cases the fluid may have to be drained. Sometimes surgery is required. Pressure in the portal vein and collateral smaller veins – hypertension (high blood pressure) drugs are usually prescribed to control the increasing pressure in the blood vessels around the liver; the aim is to prevent severe bleeding. In some cases a stent may
