Understanding Cirrhosis

The liver

The liver is a large organ in the upper right part of the belly. A healthy liver breaks down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It makes a digestive fluid called bile. It also removes toxins from the blood. The liver is part of the blood-clotting process.

Causes of cirrhosis

The causes of cirrhosis may include:

• Alcohol use

• Viral liver infections, such as hepatitis B and C

• Chronic bile duct blockage

• Some inherited diseases that cause too much copper or iron to be stored in the liver

• Some medicines

• Autoimmune disease

Another cause is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This is very common. It often happens in people who have other risk factors linked to extra weight or obesity. These include:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol or triglycerides

• Other metabolic problems

Common signs and symptoms

Common symptoms of cirrhosis include:

• Severe tiredness (fatigue)

• Weakness

• Low appetite

• Upset stomach (nausea) and vomiting

• Weight loss or weight gain

• Yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice)

• Severe itching

• Swollen belly and legs

• Mild pain in the right upper side of your belly

• Intestinal bleeding

• Easy skin bruising and bleeding

• Enlarged (dilated) veins in the esophagus and stomach. This can lead to serious GI bleeding.

• Poor mental function

• Spider-like blood vessels

When you have cirrhosis

When you have cirrhosis, your liver gets damaged and scarred. It doesn’t work as it should. In some cases, cirrhosis can lead to liver failure. If it does, you may need a liver transplant. Cirrhosis puts you at higher risk for liver cancer. Other tests are needed to look for complications of cirrhosis and check for liver cancer. Keep all follow-up appointments with your provider.

You can slow down cirrhosis and prevent more liver damage if you stop all alcohol use. Here are other changes you can make:

• Lose extra weight

• Control blood sugar if you have diabetes

• Don't eat raw or uncooked shellfish, fish, meat, and unpasteurized dairy products

• Limit salt in food and drinks

• Talk with a dietitian for meal planning (due to risk of malnutrition)

• Talk with your provider about all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take

• Ask your provider if hepatitis A and B vaccines are right for you