The liver is an important organ which helps in food digestion, storage of excess glucose and removal of toxins from the blood.

What is liver cirrhosis?

This refers to replacement of healthy functioning liver tissue with scar tissue which has lost its function.

What is alcoholic liver cirrhosis?

This refers to liver cirrhosis caused by alcohol. It is the most advanced form of liver disease associated with drinking alcohol, the mildest form being alcoholic fatty liver disease; followed by alcohol-induced hepatitis before progressing to cirrhosis.

This sequence may not necessarily occur in everyone who eventually develops liver cirrhosis following alcohol use, as some may progress directly from alcoholic fatty liver to liver cirrhosis. The replacement of liver tissue with scar tissue begins gradually until it eats up the whole liver tissue.

What are the symptoms of alcoholic liver cirrhosis?

Symptoms related to alcoholic liver cirrhosis commonly develop after 4 to 8 years of alcoholic fatty liver disease / alcohol-induced hepatitis. Symptoms progressively get worsened as the disease progresses. They include:

1. Abdominal swelling (ascites)
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Yellowness of the eyes (jaundice)
4. Itchy skin (pruritus)
5. Generalized body weakness
6. Weight loss
7. Difficulty with sleeping (insomnia)
8. Confusion (encephalopathy)

What factors predispose to alcoholic liver cirrhosis?

Risk factors for alcoholic liver cirrhosis include:

1. Excess alcohol drinking
2. Genetic predisposition – Deficiency in the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol
3. Obesity
4. Prior inflammation of the liver from hepatitis B or C
5. Women – Less enzymes that metabolize alcohol than in male

How is alcoholic liver cirrhosis treated?

There is no treatment that can reverse the damage already done to the liver at the stage of cirrhosis. Alcoholic liver cirrhosis is a stage of liver damage that is irreversible even if alcohol consumption is stopped, as the liver tissue has been replaced by scar tissue. However, its progression can be slowed down by the following measures:

1. Stop drinking alcohol – The level of alcohol consumption that leads to liver cirrhosis is usually difficult to quit without some form of assistance. This is because the body is already used to such high level of alcohol. Sudden discontinuation may result in some health challenges. Therefore, seek doctor’s advice before attempting to quit.
2. Nutritional support – Excessive alcohol intake usually results in nutritional deficiency. Therefore, nutritional support will help restore some of the deficient nutrients, with consequent improved quality of life.
3. Medication – Medications such as steroids, insulin and vitamin supplements can help with some improvement in quality of life at a stage where some healthy liver tissues still remain
4. Surgery – Liver transplant may be necessary in extreme cases of liver cirrhosis. It is advisable to quit alcohol for at least 6 months before liver transplant and discontinue it for life after transplant.