It’s no secret that excessive alcohol use causes damage to the liver, and more specifically cirrhosis. Of course, there are other sources for liver damage, which can all be examined in a hepatology department.For cirrhosis that is caused by alcohol usage, this can be confirmed by performing a needle biopsy on the liver. The effects of the disease is that normal liver tissue is scarred, and therefore affects the full functionality of the organ. A blood test or ultrasound can also be used to see the level of damage in the liver by alcohol.The liver is generally speaking a large organ, which is useful for processing the foods and drinks that are consumed. For those who drink excessively, as a simple way to put it – the liver finds it hard to keep up with breaking down alcohol, when consumed at an excessive pace.Not all types of alcohol use will lead to alcoholic cirrhosis, but it plays a huge role based on statistics. It affects different individuals in various ways, and usually progresses after years of use, with very silent symptoms.Tips to Prevent Alcoholic Cirrhosis:
- Quit heavy alcohol use now
- Drinking in moderation is best
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Keep an active lifestyle
If you’ve already been diagnosed with the condition, by quitting alcohol now, you can prevent further damages down the road. Those who are addicted to alcohol, can enroll in treatment programs or rehab to quit once and for all.Once cirrhosis has been diagnosed, regular exams of the liver or recommended in order to screen for cancer or other complications.Patients who don’t have cirrhosis, but are concerned about the disease due to alcohol use, should ask their gastroenterologist about safe limits of alcohol that can be consumed per day without affecting the liver.We service customers from Simi Valley for gastroenterology at 2220 Lynn Rd #202 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. Consultations can be arranged by scheduling an appointment. Call us at 805-371-8400.