The stage matters
Cirrhosis is advanced scarring of the liver. Some people remain compensated, without major complications, while others develop problems such as ascites, variceal bleeding or hepatic encephalopathy. New symptoms should be assessed rather than accepted as an inevitable part of the disease.
Regular care includes more than liver enzymes
Follow-up may address the underlying cause, liver and kidney function, electrolytes, portal hypertension, medicines, nutrition and appropriate liver cancer surveillance. Worsening disease may require referral to a specialist or transplant center. The schedule is individualised.
Food and medicines
Avoid undernutrition and long fasting periods unless medically instructed. Protein should not be restricted routinely. Salt advice may change with ascites; fluid restriction is not automatically appropriate for everyone. Check painkillers, herbal products and supplements with the treating team, and do not adjust diuretics or other treatments independently.
Urgent warning signs
Vomiting blood, black stools with dizziness, fever with ascites, severe abdominal pain, new confusion or unusual drowsiness, fainting or markedly reduced urine output require urgent assessment.
Make the follow-up plan visible
Keep a medicine list and a dated record of scans, laboratory tests and endoscopy reports. Ask which results are pending, when surveillance is due and whom to contact if symptoms change. Family members can help recognise new confusion or functional decline, with the patient’s agreement.
Liver cancer surveillance · Nutrition and muscle health · Liver consultations. This guide is educational; the treating clinician determines your monitoring and medicine plan.