Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic Encephalopathy
If your doctor diagnoses you with hepatic encephalopathy, some things to ask him are:
You've got a number of choices. A lot depends on your specific situation. For instance, your doctor will take into account things like:
Your doctor may suggest two types of drugs that help reduce the toxins in your body:
Lactulose. It's a type of sugar that can make you have more bowel movements. This helps get rid of some toxins from your body, like ammonia, which can trigger HE.
Antibiotics. Drugs like neomycin (Neo-Fradin) and rifaximin (Rifagut, Xifaxan) may help. They curb bacteria that create toxins when they digest your food.
Your doctor may also ask you to take some other steps that can improve your symptoms:
Change your diet. If you have a lot of meat, your body may make too much ammonia. Your doctor may ask you to cut back, but you still need to get enough protein from other sources. Try dairy and veggies. Also eat frequent small meals rather than three big ones a day.
Skip alcohol. Even a little bit can be risky for you, because it damages your liver cells.
Fight back against infections. They can affect the way your liver works. You may need antibiotics to get rid of them.
Treat urinary blockages. If you can't pee normally, it can trigger your HE. Treatment for the infection or disease that's causing it can help.
Stop some medications. Certain medicines, such as sedatives or narcotics, may cause problems with your liver.
Treat constipation. You may need to eat less meat and more vegetables. This can help you have more regular bowel movements so you can flush toxins from your body.
Hepatic Encephalopathy
In this article
- What Is Hepatic Encephalopathy?
- Causes
- Symptoms
- Getting a Diagnosis
- Questions for Your Doctor
- Treatment
- Taking Care of Yourself
- What to Expect
- Getting Support
Questions for Your Doctor
If your doctor diagnoses you with hepatic encephalopathy, some things to ask him are:
- What stage of the brain disorder do I have?
- What treatments do you recommend?
- Will my symptoms get better or go away altogether?
- Will I have to change my diet?
- Will I still be able to work, take care of myself, or drive?
Treatment
You've got a number of choices. A lot depends on your specific situation. For instance, your doctor will take into account things like:
- What triggers your episodes
- How severe a case you have
- The types of symptoms you get
- How serious your long-term liver disease is
- How old you are and your overall health
Your doctor may suggest two types of drugs that help reduce the toxins in your body:
Lactulose. It's a type of sugar that can make you have more bowel movements. This helps get rid of some toxins from your body, like ammonia, which can trigger HE.
Antibiotics. Drugs like neomycin (Neo-Fradin) and rifaximin (Rifagut, Xifaxan) may help. They curb bacteria that create toxins when they digest your food.
Your doctor may also ask you to take some other steps that can improve your symptoms:
Change your diet. If you have a lot of meat, your body may make too much ammonia. Your doctor may ask you to cut back, but you still need to get enough protein from other sources. Try dairy and veggies. Also eat frequent small meals rather than three big ones a day.
Skip alcohol. Even a little bit can be risky for you, because it damages your liver cells.
Fight back against infections. They can affect the way your liver works. You may need antibiotics to get rid of them.
Treat urinary blockages. If you can't pee normally, it can trigger your HE. Treatment for the infection or disease that's causing it can help.
Stop some medications. Certain medicines, such as sedatives or narcotics, may cause problems with your liver.
Treat constipation. You may need to eat less meat and more vegetables. This can help you have more regular bowel movements so you can flush toxins from your body.
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