Can cirrhosis be caused by something other than alcohol?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Cirrhosis is not caused by alcohol alone. In fact, many cases develop in people who don't drink. Common non-alcoholic causes include nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic hepatitis B and C infections, autoimmune hepatitis, genetic disorders like hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease, bile duct diseases, and certain medications. Because early liver damage often has subtle or no symptoms, identifying the underlying cause early is critical to slowing or preventing further scarring.

If you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, or unexplained weight changes, don't wait to find answers. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be driving your symptoms and guide you on the most appropriate next steps — whether that's seeing a primary care doctor, a hepatologist, or requesting specific tests. Taking a few minutes now could make a meaningful difference in protecting your liver health long-term.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if cirrhosis symptoms need care today Discover likely causes of cirrhosis symptoms See if it could be non-alcoholic cirrhosis Find OTC options for cirrhosis symptoms Find a doctor for liver disease Discover medically valid cirrhosis home remedies Understand what may be causing your cirrhosis

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

Cirrhosis is a condition where the liver becomes scarred and doesn't work well. While drinking too much alcohol is a common cause, there are other reasons someone might get cirrhosis.

Causes of Cirrhosis

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This happens when fat builds up in the liver and can lead to cirrhosis. It's not caused by alcohol, but rather by factors like being overweight or having diabetes.
Other Health Conditions: Some diseases, like hepatitis, can also cause cirrhosis. Hepatitis is an infection that harms the liver.
Genetic Disorders: Some people are born with conditions that make cirrhosis more likely, like Wilson's disease or hemochromatosis, which affect how the body handles certain minerals.

It's important to know that cirrhosis can be caused by many different things. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your liver health, you can take Ubie's free symptom checker to better understand what might be going on before consulting with a healthcare professional.

(References)

Li B, Zhang C, & Zhan YT. (2018). Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Cirrhosis: A Review of Its .... Canadian journal of gastroenterology & hepatology, 30065915.
Kneeman JM, Misdraji J, & Corey KE. (2012). Secondary causes of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Therapeutic advances in gastroenterology, 22570680.
Ginès P, Krag A, Abraldes JG, Solà E, Fabrellas N, & Kamath PS. (2021). Liver cirrhosis. Lancet (London, England), 34543610.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.