Cirrhosis is the result of chronic liver disease which has led to death of liver cells, which is replaced by scarring and causes liver dysfunction. The liver is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and has many functions. The liver produces bile to aid in food digestion, stores certain vitamins, stores and releases glucose, metabolizes fats, carbs, protein and estrogens. It is very important in blood clotting and removal of bacteria and foreign bodies from the blood stream.

Cirrhosis can cause leg edema, vomiting of blood, confusion, jaundice, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, nausea / vomiting, itching, abdominal swelling, decreased urine output, pale or clay colored stools, nose or gum bleeding and breast development in men.

Complications of cirrhosis include: Bleeding of esophageal varices, portal hypertension, hepatic encephalopathy, kidney failure, abdominal swelling (ascites), Hepatic coma, mental confusion, liver cancer and sepsis.