Disease Index

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cirrhosis?

Bhavna Singh   by Bhavna Singh, MS, Biotechnology    Last updated on September 27, 2019,

signs and symptoms of cirrhosis

Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms and Signs

The main function of liver is to purify the blood, break down toxins and clotting-protein production. Due to cirrhosis, when the liver is unable to perform these functions, symptoms are shown.

Often the symptoms are not too obvious until the disease advances. The symptoms are generally non-specific. Following are some common symptoms of cirrhosis:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Bleeding of nose
  • Jaundice (Yellow discoloration of eyes and skin)
  • Spider-shaped arteries (tiny red lines of blood capillaries on the skin above waist level)
  • Difficulty in maintaining weight and weight loss
  • Itching
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Bruising easily
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dark, tarry-looking bowel
  • Breathing problems

More severe symptoms of liver cirrhosis (Signs of liver damage)

The symptoms mentioned above are generally taken lightly as they may overlap with other health problems. In early stages, the liver works normally despite the damage. However, as the disease advances, symptoms get severe and serious. These may include:

  • Abdominal swelling (Ascites) with stomach pain, or a swollen or bloated stomach
  • Swelling in legs (edema)
  • Fertility issues (Impotence)
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Gynecomastia (development of breast in males)
  • Testicular atrophy (or shrunken testicles) in males
  • Swollen scrotum in males
  • Abnormal periods in women
  • Confusion and drowsiness
  • Difficulty in thinking
  • Slurred Speech
  • Fever and shivering attacks
  • Personality changes
  • Memory loss
  • Hallucinations
  • Coma (severe cases without medical attention)
  • Muscle cramps
  • Stools are black and tarry
  • Panting
  • Darker urine
  • Walking problems
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Bleeding gums
  • Increased heartbeat
  • Difficulty in processing drugs

Symptoms, no matter how vague they are, should never be ignored. Severe liver damage can also lead to liver cancer or may be fatal to the person suffering from it. Timely diagnosis and immediate medical attention are required for it. Read about diagnosis of liver cirrhosis.

Liver Failure Symptoms: What are the symptoms and signs of liver failure caused by cirrhosis?

Liver failure occurs if the liver has lost its function completely due to cirrhosis caused. Common signs are:

  • Diarrhea
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Fluid build up and swelling of the legs (edema) and abdomen (ascites)
  • Bruising and bleeding easily
  • Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Enlarged veins in the lower esophagus and stomach
  • Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
  • Stones in gallbladder and bile duct (gallstones)

When to see a doctor

You should make an appointment with your doctor if you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above, even if these are initial and mild symptoms. Do not wait to get them worse and let the liver problem advance if at all it is due to a liver problem.


Bhavna Singh

Bhavna Singh is a biotechnologist with a special interest in molecular biology, genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, and biochemistry. She pursued her Master’s degree in Biotechnology from Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida. Bhavna has also worked as a Research Fellow at Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.


Read More Articles by this Author

you may like these

Related coverage

A New Hemorrhoid Cream Introduced By Nelson
A New Hemorrhoid Cream Introduced By Nelson Nelsons is the UK’s largest manufacturer for natural healthcare products. It is a 150 year old privately owned company which has taken a step forward to introduce a Homeopathic. . . .
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome? What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Irritable bowel syndrome is a type of gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. There are no exact causes of IBS. Doctors believe that a combination. . . .
Do Hemorrhoids Go Away On Their Own?
Do Hemorrhoids Go Away On Their Own?   Hemorrhoids (Piles) Hemorrhoids refer to the condition of swollen veins situated around the anus or lower rectum. It can be internal or external. Hemorrhoids are very. . . .
Celiac Disease Treatment
Celiac Disease Treatment Can celiac disease be completely treated or cured? Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder. It cannot be completely cured. It can only be prevented and controlled. The treatment. . . .
How are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed?
How are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed?   When in normal condition, hemorrhoids help control the bowel movement. However, when constant strain is applied on the walls of the rectum, hemorrhoids swell and cause. . . .
An Overview of Diverticulitis
An Overview of Diverticulitis   What are Diverticula and Diverticulitis? Diverticula are small sacs or blisters that bulge out from the lining of the colon (or large intestine). When these sacs, present. . . .
What is Hematochezia (Blood in Stool)?
What is Hematochezia (Blood in Stool)? What is hematochezia? Hematochezia, also called pooping blood is a medical term for rectal bleeding. It is a condition characterized by the passage of fresh blood from anus. . . .
Can you Get Gallstones without a Gallbladder?
Can you Get Gallstones without a Gallbladder? Gallbladder and Gallstones Gallbladder is a small sac-like organ present below the liver. It helps in storage of bile produced in the liver. Bile juice helps in the digestion and. . . .
Appendectomy Recovery: How Long Does It Take To Recover From Appendix Surgery?
Appendectomy Recovery: How Long Does It Take To Recover From Appendix Surgery?   Appendectomy recovery (appendicitis recovery) Appendectomy or appendicectomy is generally done to remove the appendix if you have a condition called appendicitis. Your. . . .
Healthy Diet to Prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Healthy Diet to Prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Foods to avoid with irritable bowel syndrome Patients with irritable bowel syndrome should strictly monitor their diet, as certain foods can trigger IBS symptoms. Each individual. . . .