Understanding cirrhosis of the liver

Welcome to The Liver Hope Foundation's resource on cirrhosis of the liver. We're here to provide everyone with essential information about this condition, emphasizing the liver's vital role in your health. Let's learn together about cirrhosis, its management, and how we can offer hope and comfort every step of the way.

Cirrhosis: What you need to know

Cirrhosis is permanent scarring—but progression can often be slowed or stopped. It happens when long-term liver injury causes scar tissue to replace healthy liver tissue. That scarring cannot be reversed, but treating the underlying cause (such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or alcohol-related injury) can slow or halt further damage and preserve remaining liver function.

Symptoms and early detection

Symptoms may be mild or absent until the disease is advanced. Many people feel fine in early cirrhosis. As damage worsens, symptoms can include fatigue, swelling of the abdomen or legs, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), easy bruising, confusion, and internal bleeding. Because early warning signs are subtle, regular monitoring and early diagnosis are critical.

Hope and support for cirrhosis

Cirrhosis can be life-threatening—but outcomes improve with early care. Advanced cirrhosis can lead to serious complications such as liver failure, infections, internal bleeding, and liver cancer. However, early medical care, lifestyle changes, and ongoing follow-up can significantly improve quality of life and survival. In severe cases, liver transplantation may be lifesaving.