Health's Book

Definition

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function as a result of chronic liver disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms may develop gradually, or there may be no symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Abdominal indigestion or pain
• Confusion or problems thinking
• Impotence, loss of interest in sex, and breast development (gynecomastia) in men
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Small, red spider-like blood vessels on the skin
• Swelling or fluid buildup of the legs (edema) and in the abdomen (ascites)
• Vomiting blood or blood in stools
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Yellow color in the skin, mucus membranes, or eyes (jaundice)