Chronic Liver Disease
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
CLD is the gradual worsening of the liver for more than 6 months. The liver makes enzymes and bile that help digest food and gives your body energy. It also removes harmful material from your body, such as alcohol and other chemicals. Repeated swelling and damage to your liver over time causes scar tissue to form. Scar tissue starts to replace healthy liver tissue. The scar tissue prevents the liver from working properly.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:
- You have a seizure.
- You have chest pain.
- You lose consciousness or cannot be woken.
- You have sudden shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have pain during a bowel movement and it is black or contains blood.
- You have a fast heart rate and fast breathing.
- You are dizzy or confused.
- You have severe pain in your abdomen.
- Your vomit looks like it has coffee grinds or blood in it.
Call your doctor if:
- Your abdomen or legs start to swell.
- You have a fever.
- You have red or itchy skin.
- You are in pain and feel weak.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines may be used to treat high blood pressure in the portal vein (the blood vessel that goes to your liver). You may also need medicine to decrease extra fluid that collects in an area such as your legs or abdomen. Medicines may be used to decrease itching, or to treat a bacterial or viral infection.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
What you can do to manage or prevent CLD:
- Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol will cause more damage to your liver. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently drink alcohol and need help to quit.
- Monitor your weight. You may need to weigh yourself daily and keep a record. This will help providers monitor any buildup of fluid in your body.
- Limit sodium (salt). You may need to decrease the amount of sodium you eat if you have swelling caused by fluid buildup. Sodium is found in table salt and salty foods such as canned foods, frozen foods, and potato chips.
- Drink liquids as directed. You may need to drink less liquid than usual. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
- Ask about vaccines. Your body may have a hard time fighting infection due to CLD. Vaccines help protect you against viruses that can cause diseases such as the flu or hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is caused by a virus that leads to inflammation of the liver. You may need a hepatitis A or B vaccine. No vaccine is available for hepatitis C. Your provider can give you information on how to prevent a hepatitis C infection. You may also need a pneumonia vaccine. Always get a flu vaccine as soon as recommended each year, usually in September or October.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause blood vessel damage and make CLD harder to manage. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
- Ask about medicines. Some medicines can harm your liver. Avoid NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or similar medicines. Talk to your provider about all your medicines. Do not take any over-the-counter medicine or herbal supplements unless your provider says it is okay.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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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.
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