In short
Early cirrhosis is often “silent”, with subtle signs such as fatigue, mild appetite loss and weight changes. As it advances, jaundice, swelling of the legs or abdomen, easy bruising, itching and confusion can appear. Blood tests at regular check-ups can catch liver problems before symptoms develop.
The most common signs of cirrhosis
Fatigue & weakness
Low energy and constant tiredness are early signs of liver damage.
Loss of appetite & weight loss
Reduced hunger, unintentional weight loss or muscle wasting.
Nausea or digestive discomfort
Bloating, indigestion and frequent nausea are common.
Persistent itching
Bile build-up under the skin can cause ongoing itching.
Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
A sign that the liver is unable to process bilirubin efficiently.
Swelling in legs, feet & abdomen
Fluid build-up (edema or ascites) due to liver dysfunction.
Easy bruising or bleeding
The liver fails to produce enough clotting proteins.
Confusion & memory issues
Toxin build-up in the blood can lead to hepatic encephalopathy.
Dark urine or pale stools
Changes in urine or stool colour indicate bile-flow issues.
Early vs. advanced symptoms
| Early (fibrosis / compensated) | Advanced (decompensated cirrhosis) |
|---|---|
| Often no symptoms at all | Jaundice: yellowing of the skin and eyes |
| Mild fatigue or exhaustion | Ascites: fluid build-up causing a swollen abdomen |
| Dull ache in the upper right abdomen | Edema: swelling in the legs and ankles |
| Slightly elevated liver enzymes in routine blood work | Confusion or “brain fog” (hepatic encephalopathy) |
| Mild appetite loss and weight changes | Vomiting blood due to ruptured veins in the oesophagus |
See how symptoms relate to disease progression in the four stages of cirrhosis, and how early scarring differs in fibrosis vs. cirrhosis.
When to seek urgent care
If you already have a cirrhosis diagnosis, your care team may give you specific warning signs to watch for. Keeping a daily log of symptoms, weight and fluid intake makes it easier to spot changes and describe them accurately at appointments.
What causes these symptoms?
Most cirrhosis symptoms come from the liver losing its ability to process bilirubin and toxins, produce clotting proteins and albumin, and let blood flow freely — which leads to portal hypertension and fluid build-up. Understanding the underlying causes of cirrhosis is the next step.