Cirrhosis is a liver disease caused by scarring and slow destruction of the liver over a long period of time (months to years). This causes permanent damage and makes it hard for the liver to do its job.

Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment


Symptoms
At first there may not be any symptoms, or the symptoms may be very mild. The symptoms of cirrhosis may include:

• Being tired

• Easy bruising

• Loss of appetite

• Fever

• Nausea or vomiting

• Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes

• Itching

• Abdominal pain

• Swelling of the abdomen or ankles

• Bleeding from the stomach and esophagus

• Weight loss

Diagnosing cirrhosis
We will ask about your medical history and symptoms. You will have a physical exam, and you may have a series of laboratory tests, blood tests to determine if your liver is functioning properly and/or a liver biopsy.

Treating cirrhosis
Liver damage from cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but some treatments can stop or delay a worsening of the damage and reduce complications.

• If your cirrhosis is caused by alcohol , you must stop drinking.

• Hepatitis-caused cirrhosis may be treated by medicine.

• A healthy diet is essential.

• A liver transplant may be an option.