Many people with cirrhosis have few symptoms at first. It is not uncommon for patients to be asymptomatic and to appear healthy and well-nourished during the early stages of cirrhosis. However, as cirrhosis progresses, several major problems will eventually cause symptoms. These problems involve the loss of functioning liver cells and the distortion of the liver caused by liver scarring. The person may become fatigued or weak.
Loss of appetite is typical, often with nausea and weight loss.
With more serious liver failure, ascites becomes pronounced, pleural effusion, massive edema and jaundice. If portal hypertension develops, esophageal varices and hemorrhoids may appear with splenomegaly. In the later stages of cirrhosis, jaundice may occur, caused by the buildup of bile pigment that is passed by the liver into the intestines. Some people with cirrhosis experience intense itching, which is caused by bile products that are deposited in the skin. Gallstones often form in persons with cirrhosis because not enough bile reaches the gallbladder.