Experiences with
Liver cirrhosisSymptoms of cirrhosis
Many people who have cirrhosis do not have symptoms, especially early on.
Early symptoms of cirrhosis may include:
- feeling tired or unwell all the time
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying
- feeling or being sick
- tummy pain
- visible blood vessels on the skin
- blotchy red palms of the hands – the redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin
As cirrhosis gets worse, you may have other symptoms including:
- bleeding or bruising easily
- itchy skin
- changes to your fingers such as fingers getting wider and curved (clubbed) or white nails
- yellow skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) – yellowing of the skin may be harder to see on brown or black skin
- swollen tummy, legs, ankles or feet
- trembling hands
- slurred speech
- feeling confused or difficulty concentrating
- vomiting blood
- very dark or black poo
Men may also have bigger breasts than usual (gynaecomastia) or their testicles may get smaller.
Who is more likely to have cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is caused by long-term damage to the liver.
You may be more likely to have cirrhosis if you:
- regularly drink a lot of alcohol (over 50 units of alcohol a week if you're a man and over 35 units a week if you're a woman)
- have hepatitis B or hepatitis C
- live with obesity
- have type 2 diabetes
- have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- have an autoimmune liver condition, such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis
- have a genetic condition such as haemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency or cystic fibrosis
- you think you might have cirrhosis
Risks of cirrhosis
How serious cirrhosis is depends on things like what's causing it and how early it's diagnosed and treated.
Many people can feel well and live for many years with it. But cirrhosis can cause complications which can be serious or life-threatening.
Complications include:
- not getting enough nutrients (malnutrition)
- weakened and fragile bones (osteoporosis)
- infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pneumonia
- sepsis
- jaundice
- a condition that causes fluid to build up in the tummy (called ascites)
- changes in the brain that can cause problems like confusion
- internal bleeding
- liver failure
- a blood clot in the blood vessel that brings blood to the liver
- liver cancer
You've been diagnosed with cirrhosis and:
- your skin or the white part of your eyes look yellow
- you have difficulty breathing – you may be more short of breath than usual
- you have a swollen tummy, legs, ankles or feet
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .
You've been diagnosed with cirrhosis and:
- you're vomiting blood
- your poo is very dark or black
- you suddenly become confused or have slurred speech
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Treatment for cirrhosis
Cirrhosis cannot be cured, but there are treatments that can help slow it down or stop it getting worse.
This usually involves treating the cause, for example, antiviral medicines if it's caused by hepatitis B or C.
You usually also have treatment to help prevent and treat complications of cirrhosis. This may include:
- laxative medicine to help remove toxins from your body
- medicines such as beta blockers to reduce bleeding
- medicine to make you pee more and help reduce swelling
- antibiotics to help treat or prevent infections and treat internal bleeding
- treatment for weakened bones
- a liver transplant, if your cirrhosis is very severe
It's also strongly recommended to make healthy lifestyle changes, including to stop drinking alcohol.
You'll be supported by different healthcare professionals. This may include a liver specialist (hepatologist), digestive system specialist (gastroenterologist), nutrition specialists (nutritionist or dietician), and alcohol support services.
Things you can do to help with cirrhosis
There are some things you can do that may help stop your cirrhosis getting worse and help you to stay healthy.
have a healthy, balanced diet
exercise regularly
try to keep to a healthy weight
check with a pharmacist or doctor before taking any medicines, including herbal medicines – they may not be suitable if you have cirrhosis
stay up to date with vaccinations such as the flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine
do not drink alcohol
do not smoke
Help and support for cirrhosis
If you have cirrhosis, you will be supported by a group of specialists.
There are also national charities that offer support and information about cirrhosis.
British Liver Trust
British Liver Trust provides information and support for anyone affected by liver disease.
- Website: www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
- Helpline: 0800 652 7330 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm)
- Support groups (British Liver Trust)
- Online community (British Liver Trust)
Symptoms of cirrhosis include loss of appetite, losing weight, feeling or being sick, tummy pain, bleeding or bruising easily, or itchy skin.
You may be more likely to have cirrhosis if you regularly drink a lot of alcohol, have hepatitis B or C, live with obesity or have type 2 diabetes.
Treatments for cirrhosis includes medicines such as laxatives, beta blockers or diuretics. If cirrhosis is severe, you may need a liver transplant.
If you have cirrhosis, try to have a healthy diet, exercise regularly and keep to a healthy weight. Do not drink alcohol or smoke.
Lifestyle changes
If you have cirrhosis, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your chances of further problems and complications. These include:
- avoid alcohol
- quit smoking
- lose weight if you're overweight or obese
- do regular exercise to reduce muscle loss
- practise good hygiene to reduce your chance of getting infections
- speak to a GP about vaccinations you may need, such as the annual flu vaccine or travel vaccines
- speak to a GP or pharmacist if you're taking over-the-counter or prescription medicines, because cirrhosis can affect the way some medicines work
Dietary changes
Malnutrition is common in people with cirrhosis, so it's important you eat a healthy, balanced diet to help you get all the nutrients you need.
Cutting down on salt can help reduce the chance of swelling in your legs, feet and tummy caused by a build-up of fluid.
The damage to your liver can mean it's unable to store glycogen, which is a type of fuel the body needs for energy.
When this happens, your muscle tissue is used for energy between meals, which leads to muscle loss and weakness. This means you may need extra calories and protein in your diet.
Eating healthy snacks between meals, or having 3 or 4 small meals each day, rather than 1 or 2 large meals, may help.
Related links
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