Liver Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Liver Disease?
A hepatologist, a doctor who treats liver disease, usually leads care for liver disease. A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats the digestive system, can also help. Your primary care doctor may order the first tests. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is liver disease?
Your liver is the largest organ inside your body. It helps your body digest food, store energy, and remove poisons. There are many kinds of liver disease.
- Diseases caused by viruses, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
- Diseases caused by drugs, poisons, or too much alcohol. Examples include steatotic liver disease (a buildup of fat in the liver) and cirrhosis.
- Liver cancer.
- Inherited diseases, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson disease.
Cirrhosis is a condition in which your liver is scarred and permanently damaged. Scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and stops the liver from working normally. As cirrhosis gets worse, the liver begins to fail.
Symptoms
Symptoms of liver disease can vary, but they often include:
- Swelling of the belly and legs.
- Bruising easily.
- Changes in the color of your stool and urine.
- Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Sometimes there are no symptoms. You may have no symptoms in the earliest stage of cirrhosis. Symptoms may not appear until the liver is badly damaged. Early symptoms of cirrhosis may include:
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Itching of the skin.
- Poor appetite.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Mild pain over the liver, in the upper right belly.
- Muscle loss and weakness.
- Muscle cramps.
As liver function gets worse, people with cirrhosis may have other symptoms:
- Bruising and bleeding easily.
- Swelling in the lower legs, ankles, or feet, called edema.
- Swelling of the belly from a buildup of fluid, called ascites.
- Severe itchy skin.
- Darker urine.
- Confusion, trouble thinking, memory loss, or sleep problems.
- Internal bleeding from enlarged veins that burst, called varices.
Causes and who gets it
Cirrhosis has different causes. Some people have more than one cause of liver damage. For some people, the cause is not known. The most common causes are:
- Liver damage from drinking too much alcohol.
- A buildup of fat in the liver, called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Long-term infection with the hepatitis C or hepatitis B virus.
Fatty liver disease is more common in people with overweight, obesity, or type 2 diabetes. Less common causes include:
- Autoimmune hepatitis, a disease in which the immune system attacks the liver.
- Diseases that damage or block the bile ducts, such as primary biliary cholangitis.
- Inherited liver diseases, such as Wilson disease, hemochromatosis, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
- Long-term use of certain medicines and high daily doses of vitamin A.
How doctors diagnose it
Tests such as imaging tests and liver function tests can check for liver damage and help to diagnose liver diseases. For cirrhosis, doctors use your medical history, a physical exam, and test results. Tests include blood tests, which can show signs of liver damage or infections. Imaging tests and a liver biopsy may also be used.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the kind of liver disease. Doctors can treat many of the diseases that cause cirrhosis. Treating the causes of cirrhosis may keep it from getting worse and may help prevent liver failure.
If you have cirrhosis, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian about planning healthy meals. Avoid foods and drinks that can damage the liver, such as raw shellfish and alcohol.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you vomit blood. Also call 911 if you have a sudden change in mental state, such as confusion. Call 911 if you faint. Call 911 as well for severe belly pain or pressure.
Tell your doctor about swelling in the belly or legs, easy bruising, or changes in stool or urine color. Also tell your doctor about jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes. These are common signs of liver disease.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can review your symptoms, order first tests, and help you work with a liver specialist over time.
Common questions
Can liver disease cause no symptoms?
Yes, sometimes there are no symptoms. You may have no symptoms in the earliest stage of cirrhosis, and symptoms may not appear until the liver is badly damaged.
Is cirrhosis permanent?
Yes, cirrhosis means the liver is scarred and permanently damaged. Treating the causes may keep it from getting worse.
What causes liver disease?
Liver disease has many causes, including viruses, drugs, poisons, too much alcohol, and inherited diseases. The most common causes of cirrhosis are alcohol-associated liver disease, fatty liver disease, and long-term hepatitis B or C.
What foods should I avoid with liver disease?
If you have cirrhosis, avoid foods and drinks that can damage the liver, such as raw shellfish and alcohol. Talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian about planning healthy meals.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Liver Diseases
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Cirrhosis
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Symptoms & Causes of Cirrhosis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
