Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is severe scarring of the liver that builds up after long-term damage. Each time the liver is injured, it tries to repair itself, and over many years this process leaves scar tissue. As scarring increases, it interferes with the liver's vital tasks, such as filtering the blood and making important proteins. Cirrhosis is usually a slow, gradual process.

Cirrhosis is a significant cause of liver-related illness worldwide. It most often affects adults and tends to follow years of liver damage. People with long-term alcohol use, chronic viral hepatitis, or fatty liver disease are at higher risk. Because it develops slowly, cirrhosis may not be recognised until the liver is already significantly affected.

In its early stages, cirrhosis often causes no symptoms. As it progresses, people may feel very tired, lose their appetite, lose weight, or feel sick. More advanced cirrhosis can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, swelling in the abdomen or legs, easy bruising, and itchy skin. These signs reflect the liver struggling to do its work.

Cirrhosis results from long-term liver damage. Common causes include drinking too much alcohol over many years, chronic hepatitis B or C infection, and fatty liver disease linked to weight and metabolic health. Less commonly, inherited and immune conditions are responsible. Anyone with ongoing liver injury from these causes is at increased risk of developing cirrhosis over time.

Cirrhosis is diagnosed using a combination of approaches. Blood tests can show how well the liver is working and look for underlying causes. Imaging scans assess the liver's structure and stiffness, and specialised tests can estimate the degree of scarring. In some cases a small sample of liver tissue is examined to confirm the diagnosis and judge severity.

Existing scarring usually cannot be reversed, so treatment focuses on the underlying cause and on slowing further damage. This may mean stopping alcohol, treating viral hepatitis, or managing fatty liver disease. Care also addresses complications and protects remaining liver function. In severe cases, when the liver can no longer cope, a liver transplant may be considered with specialist input.

Many cases of cirrhosis can be prevented by protecting the liver. Limiting or avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and preventing or treating viral hepatitis all reduce the risk. Vaccination against hepatitis B and avoiding exposure to infected blood are helpful. Addressing liver problems early, before lasting scarring develops, gives the best chance of protecting liver health.