Also described as: “Liver kharab hona, liver sikudna”
Common symptoms
- Tiredness and weakness
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Swelling of legs or abdomen (ascites)
- Muscle cramps
- Easy bruising
See a doctor promptly if
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Fever with abdominal pain
- Deepening jaundice
What is cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is advanced scarring of the liver caused by long-term injury — commonly alcohol, fatty liver, hepatitis B or C, and less often autoimmune or genetic conditions.
Goals of care
- Treat the cause — stopping alcohol, antiviral treatment, weight control
- Screen for and prevent bleeding from varices (endoscopy, medicines, banding)
- Manage fluid, cramps, nutrition and confusion (encephalopathy)
- Six-monthly surveillance for liver cancer
- Timely referral for liver transplant evaluation when appropriate
Dr. Kalia has published a systematic review on the treatment of muscle cramps in cirrhosis — a common but often overlooked problem.
How we can help
Upper GI EndoscopyA high-definition camera examination of the food pipe, stomach and duodenum to find the cause of acidity, pain, bleeding or swallowing trouble.
Liver ClinicAssessment and long-term care for fatty liver, hepatitis B and C, jaundice, abnormal liver tests and cirrhosis — with FibroScan on site.
FibroScan (Liver Stiffness Test)A painless, 10-minute ultrasound-based test that measures liver stiffness (scarring) and fat — no needles, no admission.
Frequently asked questions
Established cirrhosis usually cannot be fully reversed, but treating the cause can stabilise it and, in some cases, improve liver function significantly.
Typically every 3–6 months, including blood tests and an ultrasound every six months to screen for liver cancer. Your schedule depends on the stage.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shivam Kalia MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Gastroenterology) · Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist