Condition5 min read
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is permanent scarring of the liver, where scar tissue replaces healthy tissue and the liver works less well. It cannot be cured, but treating the cause may stop it getting worse.
The NIDDK identifies four main causes: alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis B. The NHS adds obesity, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune liver diseases and inherited disorders (haemochromatosis, Wilson disease and cystic fibrosis). Symptoms may not appear until there is substantial damage.
The NHS lists complications: malnutrition, osteoporosis, infection and sepsis, jaundice, ascites, brain changes, internal bleeding, liver failure, blood clots and liver cancer. It lists options including treating the cause (antivirals), medicines for complications (laxatives, beta blockers, diuretics, antibiotics), and liver transplant in severe cases.
In one minute12
- What is it?
- Permanent scarring of the liver in which scar tissue replaces healthy tissue.
- Who is usually affected?
- People with chronic liver diseases: alcohol-related, fatty, viral hepatitis B/C and others.
- Acute or chronic?
- Worsens over time; treating the cause may prevent deterioration.
- Main symptoms
- Tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, itching; jaundice and swelling in advanced stages.
- Red flags?
- Yes: vomiting blood, black stools or sudden confusion.
- Preventable?
- Avoid excessive alcohol, keep a healthy weight, get vaccinated, and treat the causes of liver disease.
What is it?
Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver becomes scarred and permanently damaged; scar tissue replaces healthy tissue, blocks the liver's normal function and gets worse over time (NIDDK).
Symptoms may not appear until there is substantial damage to the liver (NIDDK).
Causes
The four main causes according to NIDDK: alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis B.
The NHS also lists: chronic heavy drinking, obesity, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune liver diseases, and inherited disorders such as haemochromatosis, Wilson disease and cystic fibrosis. (The NHS specifies the amount of alcohol in British units, so it was not reproduced here.)
Symptoms
Early: tiredness or feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, visible blood vessels and red palms (NHS). NIDDK lists tiredness and severe itching.
In advanced stages: easy bleeding and bruising, itching, jaundice, swelling of the limbs, hand tremor, slurred speech, confusion, vomiting blood and black stools (NHS).
How is it diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose cirrhosis according to medical history, clinical examination and test results: blood tests (which reveal liver damage or infection), imaging tests, and a liver biopsy (NIDDK).
Treatment
The treatment categories usually used are listed here; this is not a prescription. The doctor chooses the plan according to each person's condition; do not change any medicine or dose without a specialist.
There are no specific treatments that cure cirrhosis, but treating the underlying disease may prevent its progression and avoid liver failure (NIDDK).
The NHS lists options: antivirals for viral hepatitis, medicines to treat complications (laxatives, beta blockers, diuretics, antibiotics), treatment to strengthen the bones, and liver transplant in severe cases; together with abstaining from alcohol, a balanced diet, exercise and a healthy weight. No doses are given.
Complications
According to the NHS: malnutrition, osteoporosis, infection and sepsis, jaundice, ascites, brain changes, internal bleeding, liver failure, blood clots and liver cancer. Many people live in good health for years, but complications can be serious.
Prevention
According to the NHS: stopping alcohol, keeping a healthy weight, and influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. Treating the causes of liver disease (such as viral hepatitis) may prevent progression (NIDDK).
When do you need urgent help?
Call emergency services now 998
- Vomiting blood, black stools, or sudden confusion or slurred speech: call the ambulance.2
Get urgent care today
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the abdomen or limbs: see a doctor today.2
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.
Common questions
Can cirrhosis be reversed?
The NIDDK states that there are no treatments that cure it, but treating the underlying disease may prevent its progression and avoid liver failure.1
Questions for your doctor
- What is the cause of my cirrhosis?
- Do I need antiviral treatment or imaging follow-up?
- How do I check for complications?
- Do I need assessment for a liver transplant?
- Which vaccines do I need?
References
- 1NIDDK / NIH. Cirrhosis. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/cirrhosisHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-04
- 2NHS. Cirrhosis. www.nhs.uk/conditions/cirrhosis/Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.