Signs of Liver Cirrhosis: First Symptoms and Decompensation

Liver cirrhosis is a condition in which the organ is severely damaged and healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue. It sounds scary, but many people with cirrhosis can feel well and live for many years. Let's calmly understand that it is not a death sentence for tomorrow and by what signs it can be suspected at all.

What is liver cirrhosis

This is scarring of the liver: scar tissue forms due to damage or long-term disease. It cannot do what a healthy liver can do — produce proteins, help fight infections, cleanse the blood, participate in digestion, and store energy. Scars do not disappear, but treating the cause can stop deterioration.

Common causes are regular consumption of large amounts of alcohol (in men over 50 units per week, in women over 35), hepatitis B and C, obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune and hereditary conditions.

First signs of liver cirrhosis

Many people with cirrhosis have no symptoms, especially at the start. Early signs are nonspecific: constant fatigue or malaise, loss of appetite or weight loss without effort, nausea, abdominal pain, visible blood vessels on the skin, patchy red palms (on dark skin redness is harder to notice).

Cirrhosis is also sometimes called hepatic fibrosis.

Signs of advanced cirrhosis

When it gets worse, easy bruising and bleeding appear, skin itching, changes in fingers (thickening and curvature, white nails), jaundice — yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, swelling of the abdomen, legs, ankles or feet, hand tremors, slurred speech, confusion or difficulty concentrating. In men, breast enlargement and testicular shrinkage are possible.

• Jaundice — yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
• Abdominal bloating and leg swelling
• Bruising and nosebleeds
• Confusion, hand tremors, slurred speech

Decompensation of liver cirrhosis: how it manifests

Serious complications of cirrhosis include: ascites (fluid in the abdomen), internal bleeding from enlarged veins of the esophagus and stomach, infections up to sepsis, brain changes with confusion, liver failure, increased pressure in the vein entering the liver, renal failure. Also possible are increased sensitivity to medications, gallstones, and in a small number of people — liver cancer. Complications of cirrhosis also include malnutrition and bone weakening (osteoporosis). Cirrhosis is more common after age 40 and more common in men.

The presence of cirrhosis itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — if you are vomiting blood, stool is very dark or black, sudden confusion or slurred speech appears.

How cirrhosis is diagnosed and when to see a doctor

The doctor may order blood tests, imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI, elastography) or a liver biopsy. You should see a doctor if you suspect you have cirrhosis; if already diagnosed — if the skin or whites of the eyes have turned yellow, it has become difficult to breathe, or swelling and bloating of the abdomen have appeared.

This material is for reference: it does not replace consultation with a doctor who will assess your specific situation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer