There are usually few symptoms during the early stages of cirrhosis. Noticeable problems tend to develop as the liver becomes more damaged.

In early-stage cirrhosis, the liver can function properly despite being damaged. As the condition progresses, symptoms tend to develop when functions of the liver are affected.

Symptoms of cirrhosis can include:

-tiredness and weakness
-loss of appetite
-weight loss and muscle wasting
-feeling sick (nausea) and vomiting
-tenderness or pain around the liver area
-tiny red lines (blood capillaries) on the skin above waist level
-very itchy skin
-yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
-a tendency to bleed and bruise more easily, such as frequent nosebleeds or -bleeding gums
-hair loss
-fever and shivering attacks
-swelling in the legs, ankles and feet due to a build-up of fluid (oedema)
-swelling in your abdomen (tummy), due to a build-up of fluid known as –ascites (severe cases can make you look heavily pregnant)

You may also notice changes in your personality, problems sleeping (insomnia), memory loss, confusion and difficulty concentrating. This is known as encephalopathy and occurs when toxins affect your brain because your liver is unable to remove them from your body.