Bigg Boss OTT 3 winner Sana Makbul recently shared a personal health update. The 31-year-old revealed she is suffering from liver cirrhosis, a serious and permanent condition where the liver gets damaged over time. Sana recently revealed that her liver problems started because of autoimmune hepatitis, a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the liver by mistake. This caused long-term damage, and now she is on immunotherapy to slow down the disease and hopefully avoid a liver transplant.
But what exactly is liver cirrhosis? Can it be cured? What are the warning signs? We spoke to Dr Amey Sonavane, Consultant in Gastroenterology at Apollo Hospitals, to know more about the condition.
What is liver cirrhosis?
“Liver cirrhosis means your healthy liver tissues are slowly being replaced by scar tissue due to long-term damage,” explains Dr Sonavane. “This scarring blocks blood flow and makes it harder for the liver to do its job.”
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It helps with digestion, removes toxins, and stores energy. When the liver gets scarred over time, these functions are affected.
“In Sana’s case, autoimmune hepatitis caused the inflammation. This is less common but very serious if left untreated,” he says.
What are the signs of liver cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis often develops slowly, and early signs are easy to miss. According to Dr Sonavane, the disease has two stages: compensated and decompensated.
“In the early stage, the liver is damaged but still works well enough. So, symptoms are mild,” he says.
Early signs may include:
- Constant tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Mild stomach pain
- Redness on the palms
- Small red blood vessels on the skin
As the condition worsens, serious symptoms appear, such as:
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Swelling in the belly and legs
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Confusion, forgetfulness, or sleepiness
- Vomiting blood or black stools (due to internal bleeding)
“These are signs that the liver is failing. If you notice them, get medical help immediately,” warns Dr Sonavane.
Is there a cure for liver cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis cannot be fully reversed, but it can be managed if caught early. “The first step is to treat the root cause,” says Dr Sonavane. “In autoimmune hepatitis, we use medicines that calm the immune system to reduce liver damage.”
Other common causes of cirrhosis and their treatments include:
- Hepatitis B or C: treated with antiviral medicines
- Alcohol-related liver damage: stop alcohol completely
- Fatty liver disease: eat healthy, lose weight, and exercise
Doctors also manage symptoms and complications:
- Fluid build-up is treated with a low-salt diet and medicines
- Bleeding is managed with beta-blockers or endoscopic treatment
- Confusion or drowsiness is treated with special medications
Regular liver checkups are also important, as cirrhosis increases the risk of liver cancer.
When is a liver transplant needed?
“If the liver stops working completely, or if medicines no longer help, a liver transplant becomes the only option,” says Dr Sonavane. After the transplant, the patient must take medicines for life to prevent rejection.
Sana Makbul’s health update has brought attention to a condition many people don’t know much about. “Liver cirrhosis is not always caused by alcohol. In fact, anyone can get it—due to hepatitis, obesity, or autoimmune diseases,” Dr Sonavane explains.
The good news? If detected early, liver cirrhosis can be managed with treatment and lifestyle changes. So, don’t ignore signs like tiredness, stomach pain, or yellow eyes. Getting checked in time can make all the difference.
