4. The development of jaundice
Jaundice is a condition that results when the body is unable to metabolize and dispose of old blood cells within the body. These blood cells contain a byproduct known as bilirubin. Bilirubin is yellowish in color and when the body is unable to dispose of it, it will collect in the bloodstream. This results in the development of yellow pigmentation in the eyes and skin.
One of the many roles of the liver is to dispose of bilirubin; however, when it is damaged by cirrhosis, this byproduct accumulates and makes its way back into the bloodstream. As more bilirubin moves into the bloodstream, its yellow pigmentation will be visible on the skin, in the whites of the eyes, or both. The yellow coloring can be mild and slightly noticeable, or it can be dark and very obvious. Jaundice is a common symptom of cirrhosis.