How is cirrhosis treated?

　　Liver cirrhosis can be managed through daily rest and lifestyle adjustments, etiology-specific interventions, hepatoprotective drug therapy, symptomatic management of complications, and surgical treatment. Cirrhosis is a diffuse hepatic parenchymal lesion; once fibrotic or cirrhotic changes have occurred, they cannot be fully reversed. If symptoms such as massive hematemesis or altered mental status/behavior occur, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are essential.

　　1. Daily Rest and Lifestyle Management: During cirrhosis, strenuous physical labor should be minimized, and adequate rest should be prioritized to reduce the metabolic burden on the liver. Strict adherence to a low-sodium diet and complete abstinence from alcohol are mandatory. Nutrition should include high-quality protein and vitamin-rich foods. Emotional stability and sufficient sleep are also critical to slow further hepatocyte damage.

　　2. Etiology-Specific Intervention: Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of cirrhosis is essential. For viral etiologies (e.g., hepatitis B or C), antiviral therapy aims to suppress viral replication. In alcohol-related cirrhosis, complete and permanent abstinence from alcohol is required. Eliminating ongoing hepatic insults halts disease progression and constitutes a pivotal component of overall management.

　　3. Hepatoprotective Drug Therapy: When hepatocellular inflammation is present, hepatoprotective agents may be used to mitigate inflammatory responses and preserve residual liver function. However, these medications serve only as adjunctive therapy and cannot reverse established fibrosis or cirrhosis. Liver function tests should be performed regularly, and drug regimens adjusted accordingly based on laboratory results.

　　4. Symptomatic Management of Complications: As cirrhosis advances, complications such as ascites and variceal bleeding commonly develop. Ascites is typically managed with diuretics; acute variceal hemorrhage requires urgent hemostatic measures. Prompt recognition and intervention for secondary complications help minimize life-threatening risks and maintain baseline physiological stability.

　　5. Surgical Treatment: In end-stage disease with recurrent severe complications—and provided the patient’s general condition permits—surgical options may be considered. Portosystemic shunt procedures alleviate portal hypertension, while orthotopic liver transplantation replaces the diseased liver. Given the high physiological demands of surgery, comprehensive preoperative assessment is mandatory.

　　Adhere strictly to dietary recommendations—particularly regarding protein and sodium intake—maintain regular follow-up examinations, avoid overexertion and other precipitating stressors, control the underlying etiology, and thereby reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.