Also known as liver damage, end-stage liver disease.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Cirrhosis is permanent scarring of the liver after years of injury — most often from heavy alcohol use, fatty liver disease linked to obesity and diabetes, or chronic hepatitis B or C. The scarred liver struggles to clean the blood, make proteins and handle fluids. Early liver disease is often reversible, which is why screening and early treatment matter.
Symptoms
Tiredness and weakness
Yellow eyes or skin
Swollen abdomen (fluid) and swollen legs
Easy bruising or bleeding
Itchy skin
Confusion or sleepiness (advanced)
Vomiting blood (advanced)
Causes & risk factors
Long-term heavy alcohol use
Fatty liver disease linked to obesity and diabetes
Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
Prolonged use of certain medicines or unregulated supplements
Treatment & self-care
Care focuses on treating the cause — antivirals for hepatitis, complete alcohol cessation, weight and diabetes control — plus medicines to manage fluid and prevent complications, all under specialist follow-up. A low-salt diet helps with swelling. Advanced cases are monitored for liver cancer and may be considered for transplant where available.
See a doctor urgently if
Yellow eyes with a swollen abdomen
Vomiting blood or black stools
New confusion, drowsiness or personality change
Rapidly increasing abdominal or leg swelling
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Liver Disease & Cirrhosis?
Early signs often include tiredness and weakness, yellow eyes or skin, swollen abdomen (fluid) and swollen legs. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Liver Disease & Cirrhosis be treated?
Care focuses on treating the cause — antivirals for hepatitis, complete alcohol cessation, weight and diabetes control — plus medicines to manage fluid and prevent complications, all under specialist follow-up. A low-salt diet helps with swelling. Advanced cases are monitored for liver cancer and may be considered for transplant where available.
When should I see a doctor about Liver Disease & Cirrhosis?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: yellow eyes with a swollen abdomen; vomiting blood or black stools; new confusion, drowsiness or personality change; rapidly increasing abdominal or leg swelling.