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Alcoholic liver disease / Cirrhosis of Liver
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 General Info about Cirrhosis of Liver |
| What are the causes of Cirrhosis of Liver ? |
| What are the symptoms of Cirrhosis of Liver ? |
| How can we diagnose Cirrhosis of Liver ? |
| More Information |
| Treatment |
| Frequently asked questions about Cirrhosis of Liver |
| Glossary |
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| General Info about Cirrhosis of Liver |
Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister said, "Always remember that I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me." However, unlike Churchill, for many highly talented souls alcohol has been a curse, for once addicted to it, they have lost their brilliant career.
Man has always enjoyed getting intoxicated. Alcohol has always been an important part of all social occasions and rituals. Today alcohol consumption is one of the most serious public health problems not just in our country but in developed countries as well. The ill effects of alcohol consumption is not taken seriously because the enjoyment of alcohol is socially accepted and even encouraged in many cultures. The process by which an occasional drinker becomes an excessive drinker, and then finally becomes dependent on drinking can be gradual.
Alcohol abuse or excessive drinking is associated with a whole range of problems such as - physical, psychological, social, criminal and economical. Another silent killer associated with alcohol addiction is liver disease known as Cirrhosis or Hepatitis. Liver Cirrhosis is the terminal stage of the liver diseases in which the liver becomes shrunk and fibrosed there by losing all its function. This stage occurs after liver has undergone abuse and destruction for a long period of time.
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| What are the causes of Cirrhosis of Liver ? |
Ethanol : Alcohol consists of a substance called ethanol. In small amounts ethanol stimulates the nerve cells in the brain. However, when alcohol is taken regularly over years, the substance becomes toxic to the cells of the body, especially the cells in the liver, and this can in turn lead to cirrhosis of liver.
Alcoholic hepatitis : Excessive drinking for many years causes ic of the liver cells called Alcoholic hepatitis. Regular drinking weakens the normal functioning of liver and this leads to the development of the disease.
Malnutrition : Alcohol consumed by a person blocks the essential nutrients which one gets from food as it results in failure of the liver cells to absorb adequate nutrients from the intestinal tract. Thus, malnutrition contributes to aggravation of the liver disease.
Genetic factors : Can also contribute to the development of alcoholic liver disease.
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| How can we diagnose Cirrhosis of Liver ? |
 A complete blood count analysis (CBC) may show anemia and other abnormalities.
Tests which determine the normal functioning of the liver show abnormal results.
Liver biopsy shows typical findings for alcoholic liver disease.
To rule out other diseases, tests such as ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen may also be carried out.
Serious complications of alcohol consumption : These include advanced diseases such as brain damage (Alcoholic Encephalopathy) and hypertension (high blood pressure within the liver). The disease usually affects those who are older than 30 years.
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| More Information |
Where to find help if you have a problem with alcohol?
Organisations dealing with alcohol abuse:
ADDS (Alcohol & Drug De-addiction Services)
26, 1st Main Rd, C.I.T Nagar,
Chennai-3
Ph # 24330757
De-addiction Centre
Institute of Mental Health,
Kilpauk,
Chennai-10
Ph # 26421085
Hope Rehabilitation Centre
O Block,
1st Main Rd,
Annanagar East,
Chennai-102
Ph # 26261687
T Ranganathan Clinical Research Foundation
17, 4th Main Rd,
Indira Nagar,
Chennai-20
Ph # 24912948/24918461/2491514 |
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| Treatment |
The object of treatment is to stop the intake of alcohol and improve the general nutrition of the individual.
Diet : A high-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet to reduce protein breakdown in the body. Vitamins, especially B1 and folic acid, should be given to the patient.
Counseling : An alcohol rehabilitation program or counseling is necessary to cure the alcohol addiction which has affected the mind and body of the alcoholic.
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| Frequently asked questions about Cirrhosis of Liver |
Which specialist should I see if I am suffering from Alcoholic liver disease?
You should consult a General Physician or a General surgeon.
Who are more susceptible to alcoholic liver disease?
Women may be more susceptible than men. Alcoholic liver disease may not affect all heavy drinkers. In some people, the rate of alcohol metabolism can be high enough to allow for the consumption of large quantities of alcohol without raising the alcohol level in blood .
How does alcohol cause Cirrhosis of liver?
Ethanol in alcohol causes inflammation of the liver cells (hepatitis). This can progress to a "fatty liver" where there is abnormal collection of fat, and this can eventually lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the final phase of the disease.
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| Glossary |
CBC - Complete Blood Count.
CT scan - Coaxial tomographic scan is an advanced scanning device.
Encephalopathy - Damage to brain tissue.
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