Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is late-stage fibrosis of the liver that occurs when scar tissue gradually replaces healthy liver tissue due to long-term alcohol abuse or infection. A variety of conditions or illnesses can lead to liver cirrhosis, such as alcohol abuse, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, cystic fibrosis, Wilson's disease, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. People with liver cirrhosis may have appetite loss, weakness, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, itching, swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles, low sex drive, easy bleeding and bruising, and ascites. Treatment involves avoiding alcohol, medications to control hepatitis, and other symptoms of liver cirrhosis.