Cirrhosis Dr Rob Hicks Heavy drinking is one of the main causes of cirrhosis (irreversible damage of the liver). We look at the symptoms and the best ways to stop the condition getting worse.

In this article

What is it? What are the symptoms?

Who's affected? Can it be prevented?

What's the treatment?

Cirrhosis is the term used to describe irreversible scarring of the liver. It occurs during the late stages of various liver disorders, which may be caused by viral infection (such as hepatitis C) or excessive alcohol consumption.

In cirrhosis, normal liver tissue is destroyed and replaced by fibrous scar tissue. This permanent damage prevents the liver from performing its functions, including processing digested food, controlling levels of fats, glucose and amino acids in the blood, combating infections, as well as neutralising and destroying toxins.

Cirrhosis may not cause any symptoms. When symptoms do occur they may include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Itchy skin
• Tiredness

Cirrhosis can also lead to:

• High blood pressure in the veins of the oesophagus (gullet) causing them to become fragile and bleed
• Malnutrition
• Liver cancer
• Liver failure

Cirrhosis is more common in those men aged over 40 years. It's responsible for around 3,000 deaths each year in the UK. In developed countries, it's the third most common cause of death of people between the ages of 45 and 65.

To reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis:

• Drink alcohol within recommended safe limits
• Practise safer sex to avoid the risk of hepatitis B
• Avoid injecting illegal drugs
• Consider immunisation against hepatitis A and B

Cirrhosis can't be reversed, but the underlying cause can sometimes be treated to prevent the condition getting worse. Risk factors for further damage, such as alcohol consumption, are best avoided.

If liver failure develops, a liver transplant may be needed.

Drugs are being researched that may be able to reverse the scarring that occurs in liver cirrhosis.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in December 2007