Cirrhosis can be caused by many different liver diseases and conditions, including:

• Chronic alcohol abuse: Excessive drinking over many years can lead to liver damage.
• Chronic viral hepatitis: Hepatitis B and C can cause liver inflammation that leads to cirrhosis.
• Fat accumulating in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease): This can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis.
• Iron buildup in the body (hemochromatosis): Too much iron in the liver can damage it.
• Cystic fibrosis: This genetic condition can cause liver damage.
• Poor formation of bile ducts (biliary atresia): This congenital condition can lead to cirrhosis.
• Genetic digestive disorder (Alagille syndrome): This can cause liver damage and cirrhosis.
• Liver diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis: These diseases cause damage to the bile ducts and liver.
• Infections and other diseases: Certain infections and diseases can cause liver damage.

Symptoms of cirrhosis may not appear until the liver is significantly damaged. When they do occur, they may include:

• Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired and weak.
• Bleeding and bruising easily: Reduced ability to clot blood.
• Itchy skin: Caused by bile products deposited in the skin.
• Yellow discoloration in the skin and eyes (jaundice): Caused by the buildup of bilirubin.
• Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites): This causes swelling and weight gain.
• Loss of appetite: Reduced desire to eat.
• Nausea: Feeling sick to the stomach.
• Swelling in your legs: Fluid buildup due to reduced liver function.
• Weight loss: Unintentional loss of weight and muscle mass.
• Confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech: These are signs of hepatic encephalopathy caused by the buildup of toxins in the brain.

To diagnose cirrhosis, your doctor may recommend several tests and procedures, including:

• Blood tests: These can check for liver function, blood clotting, and the presence of hepatitis viruses.
• Imaging tests: CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound can provide detailed images of the liver.
• Liver biopsy: Removing a small sample of liver tissue for examination under a microscope to determine the extent of liver damage.
• Endoscopy: Examining the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestines with a flexible tube equipped with a camera to check for enlarged veins (varices) which are common with cirrhosis.

While the damage caused by cirrhosis cannot be reversed, treatment can slow the progression and reduce complications. Treatment options may include:

• Medications: To manage the symptoms and complications of cirrhosis.
• Lifestyle changes: Avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing weight can help prevent further liver damage.
• Treatment for underlying causes: Managing conditions such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease.
• Liver transplant: In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Preventing cirrhosis involves managing the risk factors that contribute to liver damage:

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Limiting alcohol intake can prevent liver damage.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of fatty liver disease.
• Prevent hepatitis: Get vaccinated for hepatitis B and avoid risky behaviors that can lead to hepatitis C.
• Use medications wisely: Avoiding unnecessary medications and following your doctor’s instructions can protect your liver.
• Protect yourself from toxins: Limiting exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants.