What it is
Fatty liver can reverse if a person stops drinking. Cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but stopping alcohol prevents further damage and greatly improves outlook.
Support to stop drinking, nutrition and treatment of complications are the main parts of care. A liver transplant is an option for some people with advanced disease who have stopped drinking.
Common signs
- Often no symptoms in early stages
- Tiredness, loss of appetite, feeling sick
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), swollen belly or legs
- Easy bruising, confusion in advanced disease
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood tests of liver function and blood count
- Ultrasound and an elastography scan (such as FibroScan) to measure liver stiffness
- Sometimes a liver biopsy or an endoscopy to check for varices
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Liver blood tests over time
- Ultrasound and FibroScan reports
- Endoscopy reports
- Discharge letters from any hospital stays
- Notes from alcohol support services
Questions to ask your doctor
- What stage is my liver disease?
- Which support can help me stop drinking, and is it safe to stop suddenly?
- How often will my liver be checked?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools
- Confusion or extreme drowsiness
- Shaking, sweating or seeing things after stopping alcohol suddenly
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.