What it is
The main causes are drinking too much alcohol, hepatitis B and C infection, and fatty liver disease linked to being overweight or diabetes.
The damage is usually permanent, but treating the cause, such as stopping alcohol or treating hepatitis, can stop it getting worse. Regular checks look for complications such as varices and liver cancer. Some people need a liver transplant.
Common signs
- Often none in the early stages
- Tiredness and weakness
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Swelling of the tummy or legs
- Itchy skin and bruising easily
How it is usually diagnosed
- Liver blood tests
- Liver stiffness scan (elastography)
- Ultrasound, CT or MRI
- Endoscopy to look for varices
- Liver biopsy occasionally
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Liver blood test results over time
- Elastography and ultrasound reports
- Endoscopy reports
- Six-monthly liver cancer surveillance results
- A list of medicines to avoid
Questions to ask your doctor
- What caused it, and how can we stop it getting worse?
- How often do I need surveillance scans?
- Which medicines and painkillers are safe for me?
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: call 112
- Confusion, drowsiness or a fever with a swollen tummy
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.