What Are the Symptoms of Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis takes a long time to develop. You could have it for years without any symptoms.

When you do get symptoms, they’ll depend on how far along the cirrhosis is.

First Symptoms

The early signs can be the same as those of other diseases, so it’s important to talk to your doctor when you have them. They can include:

• Increased abdominal girth from ascites
• Swelling in your ankles or legs
• Blood vessels that look like spiders on your chest, face, or arms
• Feeling very tired
• Gynecomastia
• Poor appetite
• Feeling sick to your stomach
• Weakness
• Weight loss (without trying)
• Loss of muscle

Later Symptoms

If you don’t get treatment for the cause of your cirrhosis, it’ll get worse. The symptoms will get worse, too.

They might include:

• Trouble thinking, forgetfulness, confusion
• Trouble sleeping
• Forgetfulness
• Swelling in your belly
• White nails
• Wider or thicker fingertips (clubbed fingers)
• Hair loss
• Nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Muscle cramps
• Lack of sex drive or ability
• Bruising easily
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Itchy skin
• Dark pee that is brownish or orange in color
• Light-colored stools
• Blood in your stools
• Personality changes
• Fever

Go to the emergency room if:

• Your stools are black or like tar.
• You are vomiting blood.
• You have severe abdominal pain.
• You feel very confused and sleepy.
• You have a high fever and can’t stop shaking.
• The whites of your eyes suddenly turn yellow.