Liver Cirrhosis: Alcoholic Health Complication

Liver cirrhosis or scarring of liver due to alcohol consumption is the most serious type of alcohol-related liver damage. There are two levels of alcoholic liver disease. In the milder version, also called fatty liver disease, liver heals itself when the person stops drinking. In the more serious version, also called alcoholic hepatitis, which is not usually not life-threatening, liver heals if the person stops drinking and seeks treatment. However, if alcoholic hepatitis is not treated, then the person would have scarred liver or alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

How Much Is Too Much?

Consistent alcoholic consumption for a considerable number of years can lead to alcoholic cirrhosis. The more alcohol that a person consistently consumes, the more quickly he or she may develop cirrhosis. Experts believe that the risk of liver cirrhosis increases in men if they drink at least three to five standard drinks per day for 10 years. The risk for liver cirrhosis increases for women if they drink at least two standards drinks per day.

Generally, people who are addicted to alcohol and don’t receive treatment are at an increased risk for liver cirrhosis because of their addiction to alcohol. Despite the fact that heavy drinkers and alcoholics are at the highest risk for liver cirrhosis, some people who drink heavily never develop cirrhosis, as doctors believe that genetic factors may protect some people from cirrhosis.

Symptoms of Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis

Alcoholic cirrhosis causes several serious symptoms that may require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis include:

• Appetite loss
• Energy loss
• Easy bruising
• Brown urine
• Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
• Swelling of legs or abdomen
• Confusion
• Fever

Other Complications

Other complications due to liver cirrhosis include:

• Ascites
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Kidney failure
• Gallstones
• Liver cancer
• Hepatic encephalopathy (confused thinking and behaviour changes)
• Variceal bleeding (a type of internal bleeding)

Treatment

Treatment for liver cirrhosis usually begins with the treatment and management of complications. Best treatment would be to slowly decrease alcohol intake and make lifestyle changes. Patients with cirrhosis must consider rehabilitation to help them overcome their addiction. In cases where liver failure is expected, a liver transplant is usually recommended.

 

ALWAYS Rela Hospital

At Rela Hospital , considered to be one of the best hospitals for liver transplantation in India, our team includes a dedicated group of specialists who treat all aspects of alcoholic liver cirrhosis. We provide our patients access to top liver disease experts who provide the best treatment for liver cirrhosis in India.

Being one of the premier liver hospitals in India, we provide comprehensive as well as innovative treatment options. Connect with us, connect with your liver!