How does alcoholic liver cirrhosis develop?

Types

Depending on the characteristics of the course, the following types are distinguished:

• Progressive (divided into first, second and third degrees) - superficial damage to the organ, as a result of which cirrhosis most often develops. Timely cessation of alcoholism and proper treatment stabilize inflammatory processes, but residual effects will be present.
• Persistent (in case of alcohol withdrawal, inflammatory processes are activated with renewed vigor). Without stopping drinking, there is a risk of transition to a progressive form. Rarely, this disease can be detected using laboratory tests, since no special symptoms are observed. Patients systematically feel heaviness in the right hypochondrium, mild nausea, and a feeling of fullness in the stomach.

Causes

According to statistics, this disease develops in approximately 10% of people who abuse alcohol.

There are also risk factors:

• consuming 40g or more of ethanol daily;
• excess weight;
• hepatitis C.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of the disease is multifaceted. Complaints of general malaise, weight loss, drowsiness, joint pain, thinning hair appear.

They are accompanied by poor appetite, constant nausea, flatulence, vomiting after eating. A person's blood vessels in the sclera and nose dilate, the parotid glands enlarge, the face becomes puffy, and muscle atrophy occurs.

Complications: fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), gastrointestinal bleeding, and liver cancer development.

Diagnostics

Diagnosing the disease is quite difficult.

A specialist can diagnose "alcohol addiction" based on the following criteria:

• drinking large amounts of alcohol and addiction to it;
• a large amount of time and money is spent on buying and drinking alcoholic beverages;
• taking them in doses that are critical for the body;
• increasing the dose;
• drinking despite psychological, professional, and social problems.

Symptoms of the disease may be absent, therefore laboratory tests are carried out: elevated levels of enzymes, bilirubin, cholesterol are noted in the blood. In the general analysis, anemia, an increase in leukocytes are most often found. It can be confirmed by histological examination, biopsy. Hepatomegaly is determined in all patients, splenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen in size) is determined in 25%. If symptoms occur, you should immediately make an appointment with a surgeon or gastroenterologist.

Treatment

Liver cirrhosis is an irreversible pathology, which is why therapy should be focused on correcting complications. It is based on a complete rejection of harmful drinks. A diet based on protein intake, saturation of the body with microelements, minerals, vitamins is indicated. Hepatoprotectors are mandatory - drugs that have a beneficial effect on the affected organ. For example, Hepa-Merz, Essliver, Essentiale. Of the herbal preparations - milk thistle fruits.

In the presence of withdrawal syndrome, sedatives are used. In severe stages, the only effective method is transplantation of a healthy organ. It is necessary to completely stop drinking alcohol for six months before it is carried out.

The prognosis is positive if you abstain from strong drinks and timely contact with specialists.

Prevention

The main preventive measures are reducing the amount of fuel, vaccination against hepatitis B, early recognition and treatment.

During the rehabilitation period, strictly adhere to the diet and doctor's recommendations, absolute refusal of alcoholic beverages.