Liver Cirrhosis refers to the end stage of various chronic liver diseases. Healthy liver tissue is gradually replaced by non-functional scar tissue. As a result, the liver loses its central role in metabolism, detoxification, and the production of vital proteins.
Early Warning Signs #
Early signs are often nonspecific and easily overlooked:
- Fatigue, weakness, reduced performance
- Loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss
- Pressure or feeling of fullness in the upper right abdomen
In advanced stages, the following may occur:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Abdominal fluid accumulation (ascites)
- Spider veins on the skin (“spider naevi”)
- Increased tendency to bleed
What Helps? #
- Consistent alcohol abstinence to stop the chronic liver damage.
- Treatment of the underlying disease (e.g., viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis)
- Protein- and vitamin-rich, liver-friendly diet
- Medications for complications (e.g., diuretics for ascites, beta-blockers for esophageal varices)
- Regular medical check-ups for early detection of liver cancer
Alcohol abstinence is essential in liver cirrhosis! Even small amounts can drive the disease forward.
Stages in Brief #
Doctors use various classifications, the most common being the Child-Pugh Scale:
- Child A: Liver still relatively well compensated, few symptoms
- Child B: Significantly impaired function, initial complications
- Child C: Most severe form with high mortality, often only liver transplantation as an option
You can find a longer text on liver cirrhosis here in our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) #
What is liver cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis is a scarring remodeling of the liver due to long-term damage.
Healthy tissue is replaced by less functional connective tissue.
The result is significantly impaired detoxification and protein production.
What are the early warning signs?
Early signs include fatigue, reduced performance, loss of appetite, and pressure in the upper right abdomen.
Later, yellowing, abdominal fluid, spider veins, and bleeding tendency are added.
Do I have to completely abstain from alcohol?
Yes. Alcohol abstinence is essential.
Even small amounts can drive the disease forward and trigger complications.
What helps in everyday life?
Alcohol abstinence, treatment of the cause, liver-friendly diet with sufficient protein, vaccinations against hepatitis A and B,
medications for complications, as well as regular check-ups and ultrasound for early cancer detection.
What stages are there?
The Child-Pugh classification is commonly used. Child A means still compensated function.
Child B shows significant impairment. Child C is the end stage with high mortality.
In advanced cirrhosis, transplantation may be necessary.
Can the liver recover?
With timely alcohol abstinence and treatment of the cause, inflamed tissue can partially recover.
Scarred cirrhotic tissue rarely regresses significantly.
The goal is to stop progression and prevent complications.
When should I see a doctor?
Immediately with yellowing, increasing abdominal fluid, severe water retention, black stool, vomiting blood,
confusion, or severe fatigue.
With existing liver disease, fixed check-up intervals are important.
Bernd Guzek, MD, PhD #
Physician, author & co-founder of Bye-Bye-Booze
Specialized in biochemical mechanisms of addiction and brain metabolism.
