Overview
Cirrhosis is severe, lasting scarring of the liver that builds up over years of damage from causes like heavy alcohol use, hepatitis B or C, or advanced fatty liver disease. Early on it causes few symptoms as the liver keeps coping, but as scarring worsens the liver begins to fail, causing jaundice, fluid in the belly and confusion. The scarring cannot be reversed, but treating the cause early and avoiding alcohol can stop it worsening and prevent dangerous complications.
Symptoms
- Tiredness and weakness
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Swelling of the belly and legs
- Easy bruising, and confusion in advanced disease
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for lasting tiredness with jaundice or belly swelling, and get liver checks if you have hepatitis, fatty liver or drink heavily.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Vomiting blood, black tarry stools, marked confusion or drowsiness, or a rapidly swelling belly — seek emergency care immediately
Causes
Long-term heavy alcohol use, chronic hepatitis B or C, advanced fatty liver disease, and some inherited and autoimmune liver conditions.