Cirrhosis: Causes, Symptoms, Management, and First Aid Awareness in Canada

Cirrhosis is a serious, progressive condition in which healthy liver tissue is gradually replaced by scar tissue. This scarring interferes with normal liver function, including the production of clotting factors, which increases the risk of bleeding and easy bruising.

As cirrhosis worsens, bile and toxins build up in the bloodstream, leading to widespread complications. Scarring can also cause increased pressure in the portal vein (portal hypertension), which carries blood from the intestines to the liver. This may result in dangerous gastrointestinal bleeding, fluid buildup, and other life-threatening issues.

While cirrhosis can be fatal, early diagnosis and proper management can slow or stop further liver damage.

Common Causes of Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis develops over time and may result from several underlying conditions, including:

• Chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B or C)

• Long-term excessive alcohol consumption

• Autoimmune liver diseases (such as autoimmune hepatitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis)

• Blocked or damaged bile ducts

• Genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis or cystic fibrosis

• Fatty liver disease related to obesity or diabetes

Signs and Symptoms of Cirrhosis

In early stages, cirrhosis may cause no noticeable symptoms. As liver damage progresses, symptoms may include:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness

• Easy bruising or frequent bleeding

• Small red or spider-like blood vessels on the skin (spider angiomas)

• Persistent itchiness

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

• Severe or frequent nosebleeds

• Unintentional weight loss

• Fluid buildup in the legs (edema) or abdomen (ascites)

• Confusion or changes in mental status (hepatic encephalopathy)

• Bleeding from enlarged veins in the digestive tract

Many of these symptoms represent medical emergencies and require immediate care.

Management and Ongoing Care

There is no cure for cirrhosis, but treatment focuses on slowing progression, managing complications, and preventing further damage.

Common management strategies include:

• Complete avoidance of alcohol

• Consulting a physician before using any medications, including over-the-counter drugs

  • Certain medications (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin) can worsen liver damage

• Keeping immunizations up to date to reduce infection risk

• Following a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention

• Regular blood tests, imaging, and screening for complications such as variceal bleeding or liver cancer

In advanced cases, surgery or liver transplantation may be required.

First Aid & Health Education Considerations (Canada)

From a first aid perspective, cirrhosis is important because it significantly increases the risk of:

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Confusion or altered consciousness

• Sudden collapse or medical emergencies

Educational Disclaimer:
This content is provided for health education and first aid awareness purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Individuals with known or suspected liver disease should be under regular medical care. Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced First Aid training in Canada teaches recognition of internal bleeding, altered mental status, and when to activate emergency medical services—skills that are critical when assisting someone with cirrhosis-related complications.