Symptoms
of liver cirrhosis
If you think you might be at risk of liver disease do not wait until you get symptoms. Speak to your GP. They will be able to arrange tests to check on how your liver is doing.
The information on this page is for:
- Adults with cirrhosis or suspected cirrhosis.
- Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.
Find out about advanced liver disease in children
Finding liver disease early makes a big difference to treatments and outcomes. But most people will not have any symptoms until they are very unwell.
Cirrhosis can cause problems all around your body. These can cause new symptoms, or ones that come and go. It’s important to let your liver specialist know about these, even if you have had cirrhosis for a while. And some symptoms need urgent medical help.
On this page:
Red flag emergency symptoms and what to do
If you develop any of these symptoms you should go to a hospital emergency department (A & E) straight away. Or call 999.
If you develop any of these symptoms you should go to a hospital emergency department (A & E) straight away. Or call 999.
They might not be caused by liver cirrhosis. But it is important to get checked out and looked after.
- vomiting blood
- feeling like you cannot get enough air when you breathe
- very dark black or tar like poo
- feeling unusually confused or finding it hard to stay awake
- jaundice (a yellow colour to your eyes or skin), if this is new to you
It is also important to get urgent medical help if you have signs of an infection. This includes a high temperature (fever) and shivers.
Other cirrhosis symptoms
In the later stages of liver disease your liver is not able to do all its normal jobs properly. This can cause symptoms.
Cirrhosis is different from person to person and your liver has lots of different jobs. So there are lots of possible symptoms.
This is a list of some of the most common and serious symptoms. If you get any of these symptoms you should talk to your doctor.
- Jaundice (a yellow or golden colour to your eyes or skin)
- Swelling in your tummy, legs, ankles or feet
- Pain or a sore feeling on your right side under your ribs
- Pale putty coloured poo
- Feeling tired all the time even if you have rested or slept
- Forgetfulness, confusion or memory loss
- Small changes in personality
- Trembling hands
- Staggering when walking, or falling more often
Talking to your doctor
Sadly, there is still some stigma around liver disease. This can make people put off seeking help. But taking that first step and seeing your GP can be lifesaving.
Remember, liver disease is common. So GPs are used to talking about it and its many different causes.
You deserve support without judgment, and most GPs provide exactly that. If you ever feel unhappy with your care, ask to see someone else. No one chooses to get liver disease. It is your right to receive the help you need.
By seeking help early, you are prioritising your health and taking a powerful step forward.
Find out more about what your doctor might ask and the tests you might have on the next page.
Support
How Liver UK can help
A diagnosis of liver disease can be worrying, and you may have a lot of questions.
We're here for you and for your family and friends. Whether you have questions or just need someone to listen, we can help.
Your feedback
This content was last reviewed: February 2025
Our expert reviewers:
We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Dr Vishal Patel, Consultant Hepatologist, Kings College hospital, Dr Victoria Kronsten, Senior Clinical Research Fellow in Hepatology, King’s College Hospital, Katharine Caddick, Consultant Nurse, North Bristol Trust, Maria-Emanuela Maxan, Senior Clinical Research Fellow in Hepatology, King’s College Hospital and Claire Smith, Hepatology Clinical Nurse Specialist. And all our patient reviewers.
Find out how we make our patient information.
Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.
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