TREATMENT

The damage produced by cirrhosis is irreversible but treatment can stop or delay the progression of the disease and reduce complications. In every case, whatever the cause, a healthy diet and the reduction of alcohol consumption is recommended, because it can reduce the absorption of nutrients needed for the body. Regular physical activity is also helpful to delay cirrhosis. On the other hand complications of cirrhosis have to be treated. For example, if ascites and edema are present, your physician can recommend a low salt diet or the use of diuretics. Antibiotics can also be used to prevent infections, as well as some medications for pruritus. A reduction in protein consumption is suggested because they can form toxic elements for the body inside the digestive tract, and the use of laxatives medication can be recommended for this purpose For portal hypertension some medications can be used, but your doctor can suggest the use of TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt). This is done without a surgery, where an interventional radiologist reaches the liver through the jugular vein and produces a shunt, communicating the portal circulation with the general circulation, lowering the pressure. When complications can not be treated or the liver is too damaged due to fibrosis and stops its functions, the best answer is a hepatic transplant. Nowadays, stem cells are being used to regenerate liver tissue damage by cirrhosis and are alleviating the complications.