Cirrhosis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs
when inflammation and scarring damage the liver. Alcohol abuse and chronic
viral hepatitis are the most common causes of cirrhosis, but it can also be
caused by medicines or by another disease (such as hemochromatosis).
Symptoms of cirrhosis include nausea, lack of appetite and weight
loss, tiredness, and swelling in the legs and belly. If left untreated, severe
cirrhosis can result in internal bleeding, yellowing of the skin and eyes
(jaundice), unclear thinking, hand tremors, and coma.
Cirrhosis is treated by taking care of the underlying cause of the
liver damage and by treating other problems, such as internal bleeding, that
result from the liver damage. In some cases, a liver transplant may be
possible.
