Alcoholic Cirrhosis Of The Liver | Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment

Alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, also known as alcohol-related liver cirrhosis, is a form of chronic liver disease caused by heavy alcohol consumption.

Patients with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis may experience stomach pain, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes, internal bleeding, and other serious problems.

Alcohol-related liver cirrhosis is a late form of liver damage, which can occur after alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic hepatitis. Unlike early stages of alcoholic liver damage, cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible, and even life-threatening condition.

If you or a loved one cannot control your alcohol intake, you may be at risk for alcohol-related liver damage and other health problems. A professional rehab program can give you the support and treatment you may need to stop drinking alcohol.

Causes Of Alcohol-Related Liver Cirrhosis

Drinking alcohol can lead to alcohol-related liver damage, including liver cirrhosis.

People who binge drink regularly (more than 4 or 5 alcoholic beverages in 1 sitting) or engage in heavy drinking over a long period of time have a high risk for developing alcohol-related liver problems.

Heavy alcohol use affects the liver’s ability to process alcohol. Over time, alcohol can harm liver cells, turn liver tissue into scar tissue, lead to fat buildup, and cause fibrosis (buildup of proteins).

Other risk factors for alcohol-related liver cirrhosis include:

• a family history of liver problems
• immune system problems
• smoking cigarettes
• obesity
• malnutrition

Symptoms Of Alcohol-Related Liver Cirrhosis

A patient with liver cirrhosis may already have fat buildup and inflammation of the liver before cirrhosis starts. Symptoms of liver cirrhosis are more severe than early stages of alcoholic liver disease.

Symptoms of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis may include:

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• stomach pain
• blood pressure changes

Your symptoms may vary depending on your alcohol intake and other personal factors.

Dangers Of Alcohol-Related Liver Cirrhosis

Complications of cirrhosis caused by alcohol intake may include portal hypertension, compromised blood flow due to compromised blood vessels in your liver. Portal hypertension can cause ascites (buildup of fluid in your stomach), kidney failure, internal bleeding, and death.

Liver cirrhosis can also progress into liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver cancer can cause liver failure and death.

Diagnosing Alcoholic Cirrhosis Of The Liver

Diagnosing liver damage can start with telling your doctor about your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may give you an assessment and tests depending on your symptoms.

Tests your doctor may perform may include blood tests, ultrasounds, liver function tests, and liver biopsies. These tests may be done to narrow down the cause of your health problems and rule out other conditions, such as viral hepatitis or bacterial infection.

If you receive a diagnosis for end-stage liver disease, you may be recommended for alcohol use disorder treatment.

Treatment Options For Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

Treatment options for alcohol-related liver disease may include physical and mental health treatment. Dietary supplements, steroids, and even homeopathic remedies may be used to manage your health. Liver transplants may be recommended for suitable patients.

Mental health treatment for alcohol-related liver cirrhosis can help you stop drinking alcohol and avoid further liver injuries. However, patients with alcohol-related liver problems can have trouble quitting on their own.

A professional alcohol use disorder treatment program can give you the support and care you need to stop drinking.

Contact Bedrock Recovery Center for alcohol use disorder treatment options such as behavioral therapy, withdrawal management, and aftercare planning for you or your loved one.