How To Proactively Treat Hepatic Encephalopathy

Medications

When it comes to using medication to treat hepatic encephalopathy, doctors may recommend a medicine that reduces the amount of ammonia in the body, which helps reduce this ammonia from accumulating in the brain. A popular medicine to use is called lactulose, which works by helping to flush toxin from the body by drawing water into the colon and causing the patient to have more bowel movements. It also draws the ammonia into the colon where it can be excreted from the body. Staying on a consistent regimen with lactulose is important. Because if the patient is not compliant, the toxins will continue to build up in the brain, causing physical and mental impairments.

Additionally, doctors recommend antibiotics to stop bacteria from growing in the toxins of undigested food. Using these medicines can help reduce the effects of hepatic encephalopathy and helps patients reduce hospital stays or additional bouts of the illness. If the medicines are not used as directed, the toxins will build up in the brain and cause serious complications. These complications include slurred speech, fatigue, and coma.

Continue reading to reveal more ways to treat hepatic encephalopathy.