What Is Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis kills nearly 1 ½ million people each year; if you are worried that your drinking is getting out of control, seek help to ensure that you do not become a victim of the disease.
With cirrhosis, scar tissue gradually takes over the liver leading to its inability to function in the long-term.
Although this condition has various causes, it is commonly associated with alcohol abuse and alcoholism and is one of the leading reasons for death among alcoholics.
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What Causes Cirrhosis?
Hepatitis B (30%) and hepatitis C (27%) are the most common causes for cirrhosis together with alcohol (20%). Other causes include cholangitis, Wilson’s disease, galactosaemia, cystic fibrosis, as well as other health conditions.
The consumption of hepatotoxic (“damaging the liver”) drugs and poisons can seriously harm the organs, possibly leading to cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis as an Addiction Symptom
Cirrhosis is a symptom of alcohol abuse rather than addiction specifically. Most people, whose alcohol consumption leads to cirrhosis but are still unable to quit drinking, end up being addicted to alcohol and its effects.
What Are the Types of Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is classified according to the Child-Pugh score, dividing patients into three categories by severity. Class A patients have 100% chance of surviving for one year and 85% chance of surviving two years; for Class B patients, percentages are 80% and 60% respectively, while for Class C patients probabilities drop to 45% for one year and 35% for two years.
What Are the Symptoms of Cirrhosis?
The most prominent cirrhosis symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, spider veins, jaundice, gynaecomastia, hypogonadism featuring impotence and infertility, bad breath, abdominal pain, changes to the fingernails, deformation of the fingers, deteriorating brain function due to hepatic encephalopathy, seizures and death.
Complications of Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis can cause many complications such as ascites (fluid build-up), variceal bleeding, hypertension, peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic encephalopathy, infection due to immune system dysfunction and, eventually, death.
How Is Cirrhosis Diagnosed?
Cirrhosis is typically diagnosed via a liver biopsy or using laboratory data, which detects the condition. Ultrasound imaging is used mostly for evaluation once cirrhosis has been detected.
How Is Cirrhosis Treated?
Cirrhosis damage to the organs is incurable, but treatment can address complications and help control the condition and resulting symptoms. Regardless of the cause, treatment requires abstention from alcohol, which is best achieved with a holistic addiction treatment plan.
Ready to get Help for Your Addiction?
Alcoholism is a savagely destructive condition, which kills millions each year. Giving up alcohol instantly can be extremely dangerous, even fatal, especially if you have developed cirrhosis. If you are addicted to alcohol and want to quit drinking, do seek medical help to begin recovery safely.
Take control of your life – get started on the road to recovery
Alcoholism is a dreadful burden. Take back control of your life by taking the first steps on the road back to happiness. Addiction recovery starts with assessment and treatment, but continues with self-respect and relapse-prevention.
Get help today
Throughout the UK there are organisations and facilities which treat alcoholics. If you need help, it is only a phone call away. Contact your GP and/or an addiction specialist today to discuss how you can get the help you need.
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