Cirrhosis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Cirrhosis (si-RO-sis) is a condition where liver cells die and are replaced by scar tissue instead of normal liver cells. It is a chronic (long term) condition where the liver shrinks and becomes hard. Cirrhosis often starts slowly and it may be years before you know that you have cirrhosis. Alcohol abuse and infections of the liver are the common causes of cirrhosis. Certain medicines for treating tuberculosis (TB) for a long period or exposure to toxic (harmful) substances may also cause cirrhosis. Imaging tests like abdominal (stomach) ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan can help diagnose cirrhosis. Blood tests and a liver biopsy may also be used in the diagnosis.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms include abdominal enlargement, yellowish coloring of the skin and eyes, weight loss, and weakness. You may also have changes in your bowel movements, or swelling of your arms and legs. Your caregiver may tell you to stop drinking alcohol as you are treated for cirrhosis and its complications. Treatment may include the use of medicines, such as diuretics and antibiotics. Avoiding or limiting the use of salt, or limiting the amount of liquids that you drink will also help you. Paracentesis (removing fluid in the abdomen), hemodialysis, or a blood transfusion may also be used. Surgery to direct blood away from the liver, or a liver transplant may be done if other treatments fail. Diagnosing and treating cirrhosis as soon as possible may relieve your symptoms and improve quality of life.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Certain medicines may be harmful to your liver. Ask your caregiver for information on medicines which may harm your liver.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Diuretics: This medicine is given to decrease edema (excess fluid) that collects in a part of your body, such as your legs. Diuretics can also remove excess fluid from around your heart or lungs and decrease your blood pressure. It is often called water pills. You may urinate more often when you take this medicine.

Do not drink alcohol:

Some people should not drink alcohol. These people include those with certain medical conditions or who take medicine that interacts with alcohol. Alcohol includes beer, wine, and liquor. Tell your caregiver if you drink alcohol. Ask him to help you stop drinking.

Diet:

Cirrhosis changes the way your body uses sodium (salt) and liquids. Drinking too much liquid when you have cirrhosis may cause your abdomen (stomach) to retain (hold) water. It takes time getting used to a new diet. A caregiver may help you learn good foods to eat. Special cookbooks may also help you find new recipes. You may also do the following:

• Eat foods rich in protein, such as meat, eggs, and cheese. It may help you get well faster. Having a snack between breakfast and lunch and at night may increase your daily calories. Increased proteins and high calories may help your liver cells heal. Limit the amount of salt you eat. This helps prevent fluid from being retained in the abdomen. Ask your caregiver for more information on foods rich in protein.
  
  
• Limit the amount of liquids that you drink each day. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should drink.

Immunization:

Vaccines to prevent infection, such as hepatitis vaccine and pneumonia vaccine may help you. Ask your caregivers for the type of vaccine that you may need.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have red or itchy skin.
  
  
• You feel weak and achy.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your bowel movement is painful and your stools are very dry and black or have blood in them.
  
  
• You have a fast heart rate and fast breathing, or feel confused, dizzy, or lightheaded.
  
  
• You have more pain in your abdomen.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your vomit (throw up) has coffee ground-like material or has blood in it.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Cirrhosis (Aftercare Instructions)