Living with Liver Cirrhosis

People affected by liver cirrhosis will have to pay special attention to their food and follow a varied, balanced diet. Prolonged periods of fasting should be avoided; for example, by having a small supper every night (e.g. a glass of milk, piece of toast or yoghurt before going to bed). 

In the decompensated phase of the disease, fluid retention can occur (mainly in the abdomen and lower extremities) and a low-salt diet will help control this retention and slow down its progression. The medical team will decide which patients should adhere to this diet. 

Alcohol is a substance with a high level of toxicity for the liver; therefore, the consumption of alcoholic beverages in patients affected by cirrhosis can accelerate the progression of the disease. Also, regardless of the cause of the cirrhosis, alcohol can cause complications and aggravate the course of the disease. 

Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, Enantyum, Voltaren and aspirin), as well as some types of antibiotics and metamizole (Nolotil) should be avoided, as they can cause ascites and oedema in patients with cirrhosis. Before taking any new prescription, patients should consult the medical team. 

Liver cirrhosis can cause complications in blood circulation. This causes the appearance of a series of signs and symptoms at the skin level; for example, pruritus (itching), spider veins, jaundice or dryness. To control the discomfort caused by these symptoms, moisturising creams should be used to hydrate the skin 2 times a day and plenty of water should be drunk (1.5 L a day).  

Daily physical exercise should be done at an intensity and with a duration applicable to each person. Going for a walk or taking the stairs can help keep you active throughout the day. You should stop exercising if certain symptoms appear, such as feeling a lack of air or fatigue. Daily physical exercise provides many benefits, including increasing muscle mass, reducing the risk of falls and improving the ability to perform activities of daily living. 

Rest is an important aspect of a person's well-being. On many occasions, people with cirrhosis of the liver are affected by an alteration of the sleep-wake cycle. In addition, taking laxatives and diuretics increases visits to the bathroom, including at night. 

You should rest for 20 minutes after lunch and dinner. If problems with resting at night persist, discuss it with the medical team. 

To prevent common infections such as flu, colds and pneumonia, you should consult the medical team about vaccination recommendations and frequency. Vaccination for hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses is also indicated. 

Vaccination against COVID-19 is also recommended in patients with cirrhosis to prevent severe associated infection.