Cirrhosis (liver scarring)

Overview

Cirrhosis is advanced scarring that replaces healthy liver tissue, often after years of damage.

It can cause fluid in the belly, confusion, and bleeding from veins in the esophagus.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Swollen belly or yellow skin
• Swollen belly from fluid
• Yellow skin or eyes

Less common

• Tiredness
• Easy bruising
• Itching
• Swollen legs

Look up a symptom: Itching · New confusion or not acting like themselves

When to get medical care

Causes

Liver damage.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Heavy drinking

Diagnosis

Tests.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Liver tests:
• Ultrasound:

Treatment

Protect the liver.

Self-care

• No alcohol
• Vaccines
• Low salt
• Weigh yourself daily
• Take medicines exactly as prescribed

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist (liver doctor).

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Note which foods make symptoms better or worse.
• Eat smaller meals and limit alcohol.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• American Liver Foundation: Helpline and support groups for liver disease.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with hepatitis or heavy drinking: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treatment slows it.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Do I need screening for liver cancer?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Cirrhosis (liver scarring)