Your partner knows they should drink a little less. You both do. But it doesn’t affect them at work or at home, so it’s fine, right? What harm could there be?
While it varies widely from individual to individual, consistent drinking over several years can lead to a condition known as “alcoholic cirrhosis”. Studies suggest that as little as one drink a day can increase the risk of developing this disease, with the risk exponentially increasing with each additional drink.
But how dangerous is it, really? Can it be reversed?
At Tranquil Shores, we focus on all aspects of our clients’ recovery and believe education is a major component. So today, we’re going to answer the common question: What are the signs of alcoholic cirrhosis?
What to Know about Alcoholic Cirrhosis
Alcoholic cirrhosis is a form of alcohol-induced liver disease, a result of extensive liver scarring. This type of liver disease generally goes through three stages:
- Fatty liver disease. In this stage, fat is built up inside the cells of the liver. This is the most common alcohol-induced liver problem, with up to 90% of those who drink excessively developing some fatty liver disease – sometimes in as little as two weeks. This damage is generally reversible by avoiding alcohol consumption for a period of time, though the amount of time will vary on the individual.
- Alcoholic hepatitis. With alcoholic hepatitis, the liver begins to swell as inflammation sets in throughout the liver. At this stage, liver cells begin to die, and more permanent scarring can set in. Importantly, not everyone who drinks heavily will experience alcoholic hepatitis. It takes significantly longer to develop than fatty liver disease, usually at least 3 months, and sometimes years. The damage from mild alcoholic hepatitis can generally be reversed, but scarring from cell death may be permanent. Severe cases can develop suddenly and may be life-threatening.
- Alcoholic cirrhosis. In this final stage, scar tissue replaces dead liver cells. This scar tissue prevents the liver from functioning at its full strength. As it builds up, the liver begins to lose more and more function, and your loved one may begin to experience more overt symptoms of liver disease. Eventually, if left untreated, alcoholic cirrhosis can lead to liver failure and death.
Alcoholic cirrhosis is generally the final stage of alcoholic liver disease. The liver is an adaptable organ, and can even grow back when up to 70% of it is removed. However, the scarring from cirrhosis usually limits this regeneration, and is considered permanent. Treatment for cirrhosis revolves around preventing further damage, rather than recovering what has been lost.
Early Signs of Alcoholic Liver Damage
Early signs of liver damage begin with fatty liver disease. Unfortunately, these signs are often difficult or impossible to detect. Many of these symptoms can be confused with other issues, and it is difficult to know what their underlying cause is.
For example, the build-up of fat inside the liver may cause the abdomen to be uncomfortable at times, especially on the right-hand side. Additionally, there may be symptoms of tiredness or weakness. Weight loss can occur, and your loved one may find themselves unexpectedly shedding pounds.
These symptoms are hardly a cause for alarm, and many who develop fatty liver disease only find out due to elevated blood tests and follow-up ultrasound or MRI imaging.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis
As alcoholic hepatitis sets in, other symptoms often begin to appear. This inflammation can lead to sharp pain over the liver, muscle weakness, or fever. There may be persistent nausea or appetite loss. Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or eyes, is sometimes present.
Cirrhosis includes other, more serious side effects. As the scarring in the liver accumulates, these become more prevalent. Red patches may show up across the upper body, known as spider angiomas. Jaundice can worsen, a sign that your loved one’s liver is unable to effectively clean their blood. The stomach will often be sore and swollen, and any feces may be black and tar-like. As cirrhosis progresses, they may develop fever, vomit blood, and experience personality or mood changes.
Importantly, these symptoms do not typically appear right away. Mild alcoholic hepatitis can exist for years, causing an accumulation of damage and scarring. Cirrhosis similarly may not necessarily lead to immediate liver problems or major symptoms, as it takes an accumulation of damage before the liver has difficulties functioning. Your partner might live with an alcohol use disorder for years with no negative symptoms. However, these conditions can quickly lead to sudden and serious health complications.
The Dangers of Alcoholic Cirrhosis
As cirrhosis develops, many serious medical complications can arise. These may be life-threatening, as the liver is an organ critical to survival, and it affects many different systems in the body. In many cases, when the damage has reached these stages, a liver transplant is necessary.
Kidney health is a serious concern with cirrhosis, as liver damage impacts blood flow which can eventually lead to kidney failure. Extensive liver damage may impact the heart and lungs, reducing blood oxygen levels throughout the body. The brain can be impacted, with changes in motor skills, emotions, and even personality. Liver cancer may develop from the extensive scar damage.
How Do You Test for Cirrhosis?
There is no single test for cirrhosis. Instead, a combination of factors is considered. Medical history, and especially a detailed history of alcohol consumption, is a major factor. The physical examination may reveal an enlarged liver or spider angiomas. Blood work can suggest issues with liver function, and eventually imaging such as ultrasound or MRI scans may be requested. In the event cirrhosis is suspected, often a biopsy will be performed to better assess the extent of the damage.
Alcoholic Cirrhosis Management and Treatment
The most crucial step for cirrhosis management is complete abstinence from alcohol. Additional alcohol can cause further damage, and it’s imperative to prevent the liver from deteriorating further. Lifestyle changes can further improve liver function, allowing the undamaged parts of the liver to heal and work more efficiently. Dietary restrictions can reduce swelling and hypertension, such as low-sodium diets. Alcoholic hepatitis may be treated with certain medications, used to reduce its symptoms and spread.
If the damage is too extensive, and liver failure begins to occur, a liver transplant is likely the only option available. In some instances, a transplant may be possible before liver failure begins, especially in cases of severe alcoholic hepatitis.
Getting Help for Alcohol Addiction in Madeira Beach, Florida
The liver is an important organ. It keeps our body functioning smoothly, cleans our blood, helps digest fat, and it keeps us healthy. Yet over time, drinking can damage this vital part of our bodies. Liver damage from alcohol use can build up over time, slowly deteriorating your loved one’s health. And when drinking turns into a full-on alcohol use disorder, it can seem like this damage is inevitable.
But it doesn’t have to be.
The first step to preventing and potentially reversing this damage is to break free from the cycle of substance use. Whether your loved one lives a busy life always on the go, or whether they have time to spare, seeking treatment is an investment in their future.
Here at Tranquil Shores, we provide world-class alcohol rehab services, allowing your loved one to relax into the care they deserve. Our facility comes with direct access to the beach, and a 3:1 client-to-counselor ratio that guarantees your partner receives the hands-on attention and care they need to begin their recovery journey. We allow cell phone and laptop access, so they can continue to keep up with any work or business needs while they receive treatment – we don’t just treat the addiction, we treat the person. If you’d like to know more about our alcohol recovery program, please call us today at 727-391-7001. We are here to provide the peaceful and private treatment you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can you have cirrhosis without knowing?
A: You can have cirrhosis of the liver for years without knowing it, as the liver can continue to function despite damage. It’s only once liver damage settles into dysfunction do more overt symptoms show up, such as yellowing of the skin, increased sensitivity to alcohol, or swelling.
Q: How many years of heavy drinking before liver damage?
A: While the specific amount of time will depend on a wide variety of factors, typically it takes between 5 to 10 years of heavy drinking before permanent liver damage sets in. Some individuals can drink heavily for years without any damage, while others may damage their liver much more quickly.
Q: Is liver damage from alcohol reversible?
A: In the early stages, yes, liver damage from alcohol is reversible. Fatty liver disease, before cirrhosis sets in, generally can be reversed through abstinence. Damage from alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis generally cannot be reversed, and treatment will focus on preventing further damage.
