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Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is severe, long-term scarring of the liver from ongoing damage. The scarred liver works less well over time. Early damage may be silent, so causes should be treated early.
Causes & risk factors
- Long-term heavy alcohol use
- Chronic hepatitis B or C
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Autoimmune and inherited liver diseases
- Long-term bile-duct blockage
Common symptoms
- Tiredness and weakness
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Swelling of the legs
- Tummy swelling from fluid (ascites)
- Itchy skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
Tests & diagnosis
- LFT
- Albumin
- Clotting (PT/INR)
- FibroScan or ultrasound of the liver
- Endoscopy to check for varices
Treatment & management
- Treat and remove the cause — stop alcohol, treat hepatitis, manage fatty liver
- Manage complications: fluid, varices and confusion
- A low-salt diet and careful medicine use
- Regular screening for liver cancer
- Liver transplant for advanced disease
When to see a doctor urgently
- Vomiting blood or black stools — seek emergency care
- Confusion, drowsiness or disorientation
- Rapid tummy swelling or breathlessness
- Yellow eyes with fever or worsening symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Can cirrhosis be reversed?
Established cirrhosis cannot usually be fully reversed, but treating the cause can stop it worsening and, in the early stages, allow some recovery. Early action matters most.
How long can you live with cirrhosis?
It varies widely. Well-controlled early (compensated) cirrhosis can be stable for many years; advanced cirrhosis with complications is more serious and may need a transplant.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.