How Long Can You Live With Cirrhosis of the Liver?

Cirrhosis is a serious, long-term liver condition that develops when healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue. This scarring blocks blood flow through the liver, making it harder for the organ to process nutrients, hormones, and toxins. Over time, this can affect nearly every system in the body.

One of the most common questions people ask after a cirrhosis diagnosis is: “How long can I live with this?” The answer depends on many factors — including the stage of the disease, its cause, your overall health, and how well it’s managed.

This article explains what influences life expectancy with cirrhosis, what treatment can do, and how to live as fully and healthily as possible.

Understanding Cirrhosis and Its Stages

Cirrhosis doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of long-term liver injury from causes like chronic alcohol use, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or autoimmune disorders. As damage builds, the liver tries to heal itself, but scar tissue gradually replaces healthy cells.

Doctors typically describe cirrhosis in two stages:

1. Compensated Cirrhosis

At this stage, the liver is damaged but can still perform most of its vital functions. Many people have few or no symptoms. With proper care and lifestyle changes, compensated cirrhosis can remain stable for years — even decades.

2. Decompensated Cirrhosis

This is when the liver can no longer function effectively. Complications such as fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), jaundice, confusion (hepatic encephalopathy), or bleeding varices may appear. This stage requires close medical management and often evaluation for a liver transplant.

To learn more about how to safely monitor your liver health from home, check out our guide on At-Home Liver Tests: A Comprehensive Guide.

Life Expectancy by Stage

Every person’s situation is different, but doctors often use scoring systems like the Child-Pugh and MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) scores to estimate prognosis. These systems take into account lab results, symptoms, and complications.

Compensated Cirrhosis:

• Many people live 10 to 20 years or longer with compensated cirrhosis if they manage the underlying cause and maintain healthy habits.

• Life expectancy can be near normal if alcohol is avoided, viral hepatitis is treated, and other risk factors are controlled.
  
  

Decompensated Cirrhosis:

• Average life expectancy drops to 2 to 5 years without a liver transplant.

• However, with good medical care — including diuretics, medications to prevent bleeding, and proper nutrition — some people live much longer.
  
  

These numbers are general estimates. Early diagnosis and ongoing medical care can significantly improve survival and quality of life.

Curious about how a simple urine test can reflect liver function? Read the Ribbon Checkup Urine Test article to understand how multiple biomarkers work together to reveal organ health.

What Factors Affect How Long You Can Live With Cirrhosis

Several variables influence life expectancy, including:

1. Cause of Cirrhosis
   
   

• Alcohol-related liver disease may improve dramatically after complete abstinence.

• Hepatitis B and C can now be effectively treated, slowing or stopping progression.

• Fatty liver disease can improve with weight loss and blood sugar control.
  
  

2. Stage of the Disease
   The earlier cirrhosis is detected, the better the outcome. Once complications occur, management becomes more complex.
   
   

3. Overall Health and Nutrition
   Malnutrition and muscle loss (sarcopenia) are common in advanced liver disease and can worsen outcomes. Eating enough protein and calories helps maintain strength.
   
   

4. Lifestyle Choices
   Avoiding alcohol, managing diabetes, staying active, and following a low-sodium diet all improve longevity.
   
   

5. Access to Medical Care
   Regular checkups, lab monitoring, and treatment for complications can prevent hospitalizations and prolong life.
   
   

Common Complications That Affect Prognosis

Cirrhosis can lead to several serious complications that influence survival. These include:

• Ascites: Fluid buildup in the abdomen.

• Variceal bleeding: Enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach that may rupture.

• Hepatic encephalopathy: Confusion or drowsiness from toxin buildup.

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.

• Kidney dysfunction: Known as hepatorenal syndrome.

• Liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma).
  
  

Prompt treatment for these complications greatly improves quality of life and survival.

Since liver and kidney functions are closely linked, you may also want to explore The Complete Guide to At-Home Kidney Function Tests for a full picture of your body’s filtration system.

Can Cirrhosis Be Reversed?

In the early stages, the liver has remarkable healing abilities. If the underlying cause is identified and treated early — such as quitting alcohol or curing hepatitis — some scarring can stabilize or even slightly reverse.

However, once cirrhosis becomes advanced, the scarring is usually permanent. The goal then shifts to slowing progression, preventing complications, and preserving quality of life.

Treatment Options for Cirrhosis

There’s no single cure for cirrhosis, but treatment focuses on managing the cause and symptoms:

1. Stopping Alcohol Completely
   This is one of the most effective ways to halt liver damage. Even small amounts can accelerate scarring.
   
   

2. Treating Hepatitis
   Antiviral medications can cure hepatitis C and control hepatitis B, preventing further liver injury.
   
   

3. Managing Fatty Liver Disease
   Weight loss, exercise, and blood sugar control help reduce fat and inflammation in the liver.
   
   

4. Medications for Complications
   
   

• Diuretics for fluid buildup.

• Beta-blockers to prevent bleeding.

• Lactulose for confusion related to toxin buildup.
  
  

5. Nutrition Support
   A balanced, protein-rich diet with limited sodium helps maintain muscle and prevent swelling.
   
   

6. Liver Transplant
   For end-stage cirrhosis, a liver transplant can restore normal function and dramatically extend life expectancy. Many people live 10–20 years or more after transplant.
   
   

High glucose levels can also affect liver performance — learn more about their connection in Understanding Glucose in Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.

Living Well With Cirrhosis

Even though cirrhosis is serious, it doesn’t mean you can’t live a meaningful life. Many people manage it successfully for years with the right care.

Here are some daily steps to protect your liver and overall health:

1. Avoid alcohol completely.

2. Take only prescribed medications — some over-the-counter pain relievers and supplements can harm the liver.

3. Eat a balanced diet with lean protein, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

4. Limit salt intake to reduce swelling.

5. Stay active — even gentle walking helps maintain strength.

6. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

7. Follow up regularly with your doctor or liver specialist.
   
   

Emotional and Mental Health

Cirrhosis can take a toll not only on your body but also on your emotions. It’s normal to feel anxious, frustrated, or even fearful about the future.

Consider:

• Joining a support group for people with liver disease.

• Talking to a counselor or therapist.

• Sharing your concerns with loved ones or healthcare providers.
  
  

Managing stress and staying socially connected can improve quality of life and overall well-being.

When to Seek Medical Help

Call your doctor if you notice:

• Sudden weight gain or swelling in your belly or legs.

• Vomiting blood or black stools.

• Yellowing of skin or eyes.

• Severe fatigue or confusion.

• Persistent nausea, pain, or loss of appetite.
  
  

These could be signs of worsening liver function or complications that need urgent care.

The Bottom Line

How long you can live with cirrhosis depends on its cause, stage, and how well it’s managed. With early diagnosis, healthy habits, and regular medical care, many people live for years — sometimes decades — after a cirrhosis diagnosis.

While the condition can’t always be reversed, you have the power to protect the liver you have, slow progression, and live a fulfilling life.

 

Want to check your liver health from home?
You can take an at-home liver enzyme and metabolic health test through Ribbon Checkup and get results in days.

Explore liver health tests 

Related Resources

• Liver Pain Location: Understanding Its Causes and Symptoms – Spot the main causes and symptoms.
  

• What Can Be Mistaken for Liver Pain? – Conditions that mimic liver discomfort.
  

• Gallbladder Pain vs. Liver Pain – How to tell them apart.

References

References

1. American Liver Foundation. (n.d.). Cirrhosis: Living with advanced liver disease. https://liverfoundation.org/living-with-liver-disease/cirrhosis/ 

2. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, September 8). Cirrhosis of the liver: Signs & symptoms, causes, stages. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15572-cirrhosis-of-the-liver

3. MedicineNet. (2025, April 13). How long can you live with cirrhosis of the liver? Life expectancy. https://www.medicinenet.com/how_long_can_you_live_with_cirrhosis/article.htm 

4. My PC Now. (2022, May 5). Prognosis in decompensated liver failure. https://www.mypcnow.org/fast-fact/prognosis-in-decompensated-liver-failure/ 

5. Verywell Health. (2024, March 3). Life expectancy with cirrhosis of the liver. https://www.verywellhealth.com/liver-disease-how-long-to-live-63374 

6. WebMD. (n.d.). Cirrhosis of the liver: Life expectancy, risk factors, symptoms. https://www.webmd.com/fatty-liver-disease/understanding-cirrhosis-basic-information 

7. World Journal of Gastroenterology. (2015). Survival rates and prognostic factors in alcoholic cirrhosis. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 21(17), 5061–5077. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4526841/