Cirrhosis
Preventing cirrhosis
You can reduce your chances of developing cirrhosis by limiting your alcohol consumption and protecting yourself from a hepatitis infection.
Limiting your alcohol consumption
Heavy alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of liver cirrhosis.One of the best ways to avoid thisis to keep within recommended limits:
- men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week
- spread your drinking over three days or more if you drink as much as 14 units a week
If you have cirrhosis, you should stop drinking alcohol immediatelyit speeds up the rate at which the condition progresses, regardless of the cause.
Hepatitis B and C can be caught through having unprotected sex or by sharing needles to inject drugs.
Using a condom when having sex will help you avoid the risk of getting Hepatitis , as will avoiding injecting drugs.
Anyone who's at risk of getting hepatitis B, such as police officers and social care workers, can be protected by being vaccinated against the condition. There's currently no vaccine for hepatitis C .
People born in areas of the world where hepatitis B and C are widespread, such as parts of south Asia and Africa, need to be screened for hepatitis as early treatment can help prevent the onset of cirrhosis.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017
Introduction
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver as a result of long-term liver damage. Find out what the signs and symptoms are, when to see your GP, and how it can be treated and prevented.
Symptoms of cirrhosis
There are usually very few symptoms during the early stages of cirrhosis. As the condition progresses, symptoms can include tiredness, loss of appetite and very itchy skin.
Causes of cirrhosis
There are many different causes of cirrhosis. In the UK, the most common causes are drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and long-term hepatitis C infections.
Diagnosing cirrhosis
Find out about the tests used to measure liver function and liver damage and how cirrhosis is diagnosed.
Treating cirrhosis
Read more about how the symptoms of cirrhosis can be managed using medication and lifestyle changes. Also, find out how the complications of cirrhosis can be treated.
Preventing cirrhosis
Find out how to reduce your chances of developing cirrhosis by limiting your alcohol consumption and protecting yourself from a hepatitis infection.
Patient story: "I haven't touched a drop for three years now."
Six months of heavy drinking during a stressful period at work left Judith Heath with cirrhosis. She tells her story.
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