Are You at Risk for Cirrhosis?

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows deaths from alcohol-related liver disease – like cirrhosis – have risen each year since 2006. Nearly all racial, ethnic and age groups have seen increases. The Cleveland Clinic says that death rates have doubled in the past 20 years, mostly since 2018. Experts even warn that human life expectancy is falling in the U.S. as a result.

Are you or a loved one at risk for cirrhosis? Here’s some facts to know about the disease.

Most importantly, no one can live without a liver. It performs vital functions that keep the body healthy. The liver turns food and drink into energy and nutrients. It also removes harmful toxins such as alcohol from the blood.

Because it's a vital organ, any problem with the liver is a cause for concern. That includes cirrhosis.

What is Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a disease in which scar tissue builds up in the liver. The scar tissue keeps the liver from working as it should. Anything that harms the liver can cause cirrhosis, but the most common causes are:

• Alcohol misuse – Long-term alcohol use is the leading cause of cirrhosis in the U.S.
• Hepatitis – The second most common cause of cirrhosis is Hepatitis C  (HCV), but chronic Hepatitis B and D can also trigger the disease. Early stages of HCV produce no symptoms or very mild symptoms. Many people don’t know they have it. And it can take 20 to 30 years for liver damage to lead to cirrhosis. 
• Fatty liver disease – Fat buildup in the liver not caused by alcohol misuse can also cause cirrhosis. People who have fatty liver disease often are obese, have diabetes, high cholesterol and poor eating habits.

What Are the Signs of Cirrhosis?

Unfortunately, the disease is basically undetectable in its early stages. As it progresses, symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Bleeding and bruising
• Swollen belly and legs
• Yellow discoloration of skin and eyes
• Itchy skin
• Weight loss
• Spider-like blood vessels on the skin

If you have any of these symptoms, book a visit with your doctor as soon as you can. Your doctor will usually do an exam and order blood tests. They may do a liver biopsy  if they believe you have cirrhosis.

How is Cirrhosis Treated?

There is no magic pill or treatment that can cure cirrhosis. There are ways to slow or stop its progress, though. Treatment depends on the cause of your cirrhosis. Options can range from lifestyle changes (stop drinking alcohol, lose weight, etc.) to medications. If the liver damage is severe, your doctor may suggest a liver transplant.

How Can I Reduce My Chance of Getting Cirrhosis?

When you take care of your liver, you lower your chances of getting cirrhosis. Here are some steps you can take:

• Drink alcohol in moderation. For women, that is no more than one drink a day. For men, it’s no more than up to two drinks a day.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Stay physically active and exercise often. Avoid eating fatty foods.
• Reduce risk for hepatitis. Talk to your doctor about getting a Hepatitis B vaccine. Don’t share needles, and don’t have unprotected sex.

Take steps now to protect your liver and reduce your risk for cirrhosis.

Sources: Cirrhosis of the Liver,  Cleveland Clinic, 2025; Diagnosing Hepatitis C,  American Liver Foundation, 2023; Cirrhosis,  Mayo Clinic, 2025; Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis,  National Centers for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025