Living with
Budd-Chiari syndrome
The information on this page is for:
- Adults with Budd-Chiari syndome or suspected Budd-Chiari syndrome
- Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.
Information about Budd-Chiari syndrome in children.
Budd-Chiari syndrome is a serious condition. Being diagnosed with it can be worrying and frightening. For many people, the diagnosis can be the end of a long process of feeling that something was wrong. Or it could all happen very quickly.
But getting a diagnosis means you can find out about treatment options. Treatments can reduce the risk of the disease getting worse and improve your quality of life.
As well as medical treatment, you may need to make some changes to your everyday life. We have lots more information and support to help you with this.
On this page:
Diet
You may need to eat a low-salt diet to help manage the build-up of fluid in your belly (ascites). If you are struggling with this or finding it hard to eat, always talk to your medical team. You can ask to be referred to an NHS dietitian for specialist, personal help.
Infections
Serious liver disease can put you at more risk from common infections. It is important to protect yourself. The best way to do this is with careful hygiene and having all recommended vaccinations. Find out more about:
Fatigue
Having a serious liver condition can cause fatigue. This is more than just feeling tired, and it can have a huge impact on everyday life. Often, it is hard for other people to understand how difficult this can be.
We have more information about fatigue, including talking to others about it. You can also talk to your medical team to see if any support is available in your area.
More information on living with Budd-Chiari
There’s a lot of health information online, so it’s vital to find trustworthy sources. We make all our information alongside patients and medical experts.
Find out more about:
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: March 2026
Our expert reviewers:
We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Prof. John F Dillon, Professor of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Dundee. 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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