Liver cirrhosis is long-term scarring of the liver. Healthy liver tissue is slowly replaced by scar tissue, and the liver gradually loses its ability to work. The most common causes in India are alcohol, fatty liver disease, and hepatitis B and C.
Symptoms of liver cirrhosis
- Tiredness, weakness and loss of appetite; weight and muscle loss
- Swelling of the abdomen (ascites) and legs
- Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Vomiting blood or black stools — bleeding from swollen veins (varices)
- Confusion, excessive sleepiness or behaviour change (hepatic encephalopathy)
- Easy bruising and itching
Stages: compensated and decompensated
In compensated cirrhosis, the liver is scarred but still manages its work, and many people feel fairly well. In decompensated cirrhosis, complications appear — ascites, bleeding, jaundice or confusion. Decompensation is a turning point and the time to discuss a liver transplant.
Can liver cirrhosis be cured?
Established scarring usually cannot be fully reversed by medicines. But treating the cause can stop or slow it — stopping alcohol completely, treating hepatitis B or C, and controlling weight and diabetes. In early stages this can keep the liver stable for many years.
When cirrhosis is advanced and the liver is failing, a liver transplant is the only treatment that replaces the damaged liver. Read our guide to liver transplant in Lucknow.
Living with cirrhosis
- No alcohol at all
- Low-salt diet if there is fluid build-up, with adequate protein as advised by your doctor
- Avoid painkillers and herbal medicines not prescribed by your doctor
- Regular check-ups, including screening for liver cancer every 6 months
When to seek help urgently
Vomiting blood, black stools, sudden confusion, high fever or rapidly increasing abdominal swelling need emergency care.
लिवर सिरोसिस में लिवर पर स्थायी निशान (स्कार) बन जाते हैं। मुख्य कारण शराब, फैटी लिवर और हेपेटाइटिस B/C हैं। लक्षण: थकान, पेट और पैरों में सूजन, पीलिया, खून की उल्टी, काला मल और भ्रम।
क्या सिरोसिस ठीक हो सकता है? बने हुए निशान आमतौर पर दवाओं से पूरी तरह नहीं मिटते, लेकिन कारण का इलाज करने से बीमारी रुक सकती है। जब लिवर फेल होने लगे, तो लिवर ट्रांसप्लांट ही एकमात्र स्थायी इलाज है।
Frequently Asked Questions
Can liver cirrhosis be cured?
Scarring usually cannot be fully reversed, but treating the cause can stop progression. When the liver fails, a liver transplant is the only definitive treatment.
What are the first signs of liver cirrhosis?
Early cirrhosis may have no symptoms. Common early signs are tiredness, poor appetite, weight loss and mild abdominal discomfort.
When is a liver transplant needed in cirrhosis?
When complications such as ascites, bleeding, jaundice or confusion appear (decompensated cirrhosis), a transplant evaluation should be discussed.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Please consult a qualified doctor about your own condition.
