Carefully manage complications

Preventive care can go a long way toward reducing complications from cirrhosis. But they still may occur.

Some complications are particularly serious, including:

• Ascites.
• Chronic edema.
• Esophageal varices or high blood pressure in the abdominal vessels.
• Hepatic encephalopathy.

If you develop any of these, work closely with your care team and liver specialists. They can help you start and adjust various medications and routinely monitor your status.

In extreme cases, you may need to consider and undergo a liver transplant.