Disease Index

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cirrhosis?

Bhavna Singh   by Bhavna Singh, MS, Biotechnology    Last updated on May 17, 2018,

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.


you may like these

Related coverage

Celiac Disease Diagnosis
Celiac Disease Diagnosis   How is celiac disease diagnosed? Diagnosis of celiac disease can be difficult because of the following reasons: Many symptoms are similar to symptoms of other. . . .
Crohn's flare-up, Crohn's Disease Pain: What It Feels Like to Have Crohn's?
Crohn's flare-up, Crohn's Disease Pain: What It Feels Like to Have Crohn's?   What is a flare up in Crohn's disease? Crohn’s flare-ups refer to sudden re-appearing of symptoms for people suffering from Crohn's disease (a chronic. . . .
What is Celiac Disease?
What is Celiac Disease? Celiac Disease Celiac disease is also known as Coeliac disease. It is an autoimmune (immune system attacks healthy cells of the body by mistake) disorder that particularly affects. . . .
Is It Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Or Achalasia?
Is It Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Or Achalasia?   What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a long-term digestive disorder. GERD is a result of acidic reflux that occurs. . . .
Crohn’s Disease Diet: What Food Can You Eat and not Eat with Crohn's Disease?
Crohn’s Disease Diet: What Food Can You Eat and not Eat with Crohn's Disease?   Crohn’s Disease Diet and Nutrition Good nutrition is essential to good health. For people who are ill, a healthy diet is even more necessary because they are. . . .
Itchy Hemorrhoids: What Causes Itchy Piles?
Itchy Hemorrhoids: What Causes Itchy Piles?   Do hemorrhoids itch? Hemorrhoids are swollen veins present around the anus and lower rectum region. They are commonly known as piles. Hemorrhoids are differentiated. . . .
Top Tips for Living with Crohn's disease
Top Tips for Living with Crohn's disease   How to live well with Crohn's disease? Living with Crohn’s disease could mean that the patient has a proper understanding of the disease, its symptoms, flare-ups,. . . .
Appendicitis Pain: What Does Appendix Pain Feel Like?
Appendicitis Pain: What Does Appendix Pain Feel Like?   Appendix and Appendicitis Appendix is 3 ½ inch long tube which extends from large intestine. No significant function of appendix is known, but some doctors believe. . . .
Appendicitis in Kids: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Appendicitis in Kids: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment   Appendicitis in children: How common is appendicitis in kids? Appendicitis in kids is a very rare condition to occur specially in infants. If it occurs, it is mostly. . . .
Thrombosed Hemorrhoid (Thrombosed Piles)
Thrombosed Hemorrhoid (Thrombosed Piles)   What is thrombosed hemorrhoid? When a clot is formed occasionally in hemorrhoids, it is known as thrombosed hemorrhoids. It happens when sacs in the anal passage get. . . .