Scarring of the liver that can stop it working properly. Often silent early on, but serious and requiring specialist management. Community experiences, not medical advice.
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver that can stop it from working properly. The NHS explains that healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, which prevents the liver from working normally. NICE NG50 provides detailed guidance on assessment and management in adults over 16.
Many people with cirrhosis do not have symptoms, especially early on. This means it is often diagnosed when tests are done for other reasons, or when complications develop. It can be life-threatening and needs specialist management.
Cirrhosis is distinct from NAFLD. NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis, but most people with NAFLD do not develop it. This page covers cirrhosis itself; fatty-liver management detail stays on the NAFLD guide.
Early cirrhosis may cause no symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms can include:
Clinicians and NICE NG50 often describe cirrhosis as compensated (the liver is still working well enough that major complications have not appeared) or decompensated (complications such as ascites, variceal bleeding, or encephalopathy have developed). NICE NG50 sets out recommendations for assessing and managing the main complications:
These complications need urgent medical attention and specialist hospital care. Prescribing advice (for example beta-blocker dosing for varices) belongs with clinicians and NICE NG50.
Cirrhosis management is highly medicalised and hospital-centric. The NHS and NICE NG50 guide clinical care. Community discussion tends to focus on lifestyle, adherence, nutrition, and knowing when to seek urgent help.
These are cautions, not approaches people discuss:
NICE guideline NG50 covers assessment and management of cirrhosis and its complications (ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy) in adults. Updated September 2023.
View NICE NG50Plain-language summary of NG50 for people with cirrhosis and their carers, covering what care to expect and key complications.
View NG50 public infoThe NHS provides patient-facing information on cirrhosis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the condition.
View NHS guidanceThe information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a diagnosis, treatment, or substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. Cirrhosis requires specialist management; seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black stools, sudden confusion, or rapidly worsening abdominal swelling.