Cirrhosis
Alternate Names : Liver Cirrhosis
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Cirrhosis Treatment
Treatment is directed at managing the complications of cirrhosis and preventing further liver damage.
- Offending medications and alcohol are stopped.
- Bleeding varices are treated by upper endoscopy with banding or sclerosis.
- Ascites (excess abdominal fluid) is treated with diuretics, fluid and salt restriction, and removal of fluid (paracentesis).
- Coagulopathy may be treated with blood products or vitamin K.
- Encephalopathy is treated with the medication lactulose; sometimes antibiotics are used and patients should avoid a diet high in protein.
- Infections are treated with antibiotics.
- If cirrhosis progresses and becomes life-threatening, a liver transplant should be considered.
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