Cirrhosis is a serious condition that causes permanent scarring of the liver, and it can be caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions. The symptoms of cirrhosis may not appear until the liver is badly damaged, and they can vary depending on how advanced the condition is. Here are some signs and symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver:

Early signs and symptoms of cirrhosis may include:

• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Feeling weak or tired (fatigue)
• Feeling generally ill (malaise)
• Upper abdominal pain (especially on the right)
• Visible blood vessels that look like spiders (spider angiomas)
• Redness on the palms of your hands (palmar erythema)

As liver function gets worse, people with cirrhosis may have other symptoms, including:

• Bruising and bleeding easily
• Confusion, difficulty thinking, memory loss, personality changes, or sleep disorders
• Internal bleeding due to the bursting of enlarged veins—called varices—in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines
• Swelling in the lower legs, ankles, or feet, called edema
• Swelling of the abdomen from a buildup of fluid, called ascites
• Severe itchy skin
• Darkening of the color of the urine
• Yellowish tint to the whites of the eyes and skin, called jaundice

If you develop symptoms of cirrhosis, you should contact your healthcare provider. If you experience abdominal or chest pain, abdominal swelling or ascites that is new or suddenly becomes worse, a fever (temperature greater than 101°F or 38.3°C), diarrhea, confusion, or a change in consciousness, you should seek emergency medical help right away.