Condition Basics

What is cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a very serious condition in which scarring damages the liver. This scar tissue prevents the liver from working as it should. That can cause problems with blood clotting, which can lead to bleeding and bruising. Cirrhosis can also cause fluid buildup in the belly, jaundice, and severe bleeding in the digestive tract.

The liver is a large organ in the right upper part of the abdomen. It performs a range of complex and important functions that affect all body systems. Some of the specific functions of the liver include:

• Controlling the amounts of sugar (glucose), protein, and fat entering the bloodstream.
• Removing bilirubin, ammonia, and other toxins from the blood. Bilirubin is a by-product of the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells.
• Processing most of the nutrients absorbed by the intestines during digestion and converting those nutrients into forms that can be used by the body. The liver also stores some nutrients, such as vitamin A, iron, and other minerals.
• Producing cholesterol, substances that help blood clot, bile, and certain important proteins, such as albumin.
• Breaking down (metabolizing) alcohol and many drugs.

What causes it?

Cirrhosis can have many causes. Long-term, heavy use of alcohol can cause cirrhosis. So can chronic viral hepatitis. Other causes include autoimmune diseases, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), blocked bile ducts in the liver, and certain diseases.

What are the symptoms?

You may not have symptoms in the early stages of cirrhosis. But as it gets worse, symptoms may include fatigue, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), small red spots and tiny lines on the skin, bruising easily, weight loss, itching, belly pain, and bleeding in the digestive tract.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms and past health. If the doctor thinks that you might have cirrhosis, you may have blood tests and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or a CT scan. To confirm that you have cirrhosis, the doctor may do a liver biopsy.

How is cirrhosis treated?

Treatment may include medicines, surgery, or lifestyle changes. Treatment can't cure cirrhosis. But it can sometimes prevent or delay more liver damage. To limit the damage to your liver and help control symptoms, you can make lifestyle changes. For example, don't drink alcohol. Limit sodium and fat. And avoid medicines that can harm your liver.