Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver arising from long-term damage to its cells. As a result, liver function becomes impaired, which may eventually lead to liver failure.
The most common causes of cirrhosis are long-term, excessive alcohol consumption and long-term infection with a hepatitis virus.
Other causes include nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), disorders of the bile ducts (the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines), certain inherited disorders of body chemistry, cystic fibrosis, heart failure, and certain poisons or medications. Cirrhosis often produces no symptoms in the early stages. As the condition progresses, there may be tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice, swelling of the legs or abdomen due to the build-up of fluid, vomiting of blood, a tendency to bleed or bruise easily, itchy skin, and black, tarry feces. Cirrhosis may also cause toxins to build up in the brain, producing symptoms such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, and changes in personality; eventually, it may even lead to coma.
Liver damage due to cirrhosis is usually irreversible. Treatment is directed toward relieving symptoms and slowing the rate of liver damage, if possible, by treating the underlying cause. It is also important to avoid alcohol. In some cases, however, liver failure develops, and a liver transplant is the only treatment option

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