If cirrhosis is still in its early stages, it may be possible to minimize damage to liver tissue by treating the health conditions causing the scarring. This may mean ceasing alcohol use and losing weight. Weight loss can help reduce the effects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease while ceasing alcohol use can prevent further scarring from occurring. Additionally, your doctor may recommend that you begin a low-sodium diet to manage fluid build-up in the body.

For individuals experiencing cirrhosis caused by diabetes, managing blood sugar levels may help reduce the damage done to the liver.

If your doctor believes that bile duct disorders or a viral hepatitis infection are causing cirrhosis, they will prescribe medication to treat these conditions. While this treatment will not undo damage to the liver, treating these conditions could stop cirrhosis from progressing. Antibiotics may be prescribed to combat bacterial infections that may be causing cirrhosis, and your doctor may recommend vaccination for diseases such as hepatitis, pneumonia, and influenza to prevent further damage to the organ.

If cirrhosis has progressed to the point where the liver is unable to function properly, your doctor may recommend a liver transplant to replace the scarred organ with a healthy organ. Before this surgery is performed, individuals must undergo extensive testing to ensure that they are in good enough health to recover from the procedure.

If your doctor determines that you are a candidate for a liver transplant, you will be placed on a national waiting list, which categorizes patients by blood type, body size, and severity of liver scarring. Individuals who are dealing with cirrhosis as a result of alcohol abuse may not be a candidate for a liver transplant, due to the danger of resuming drinking with a healthy liver. Talk to your doctor about whether or not a liver transplant is right for you, and if you may be a candidate for this operation.