Cirrhosis Of The Liver: Symptoms And Causes

Excessive Consumption Of Alcohol

Extensive alcohol use is one of the primary causes of cirrhosis of the liver, as alcohol is processed in the liver. Alcoholism causes the cells in the liver to be overworked, which in turn causes damage. The more a person drinks, the greater the risk of developing cirrhosis. Heavy drinking needs to occur for at least ten years before liver damage begins. Women and individuals over sixty-five years old are urged not to drink more than one alcoholic beverage a day, while males under sixty-five should limit their intake to two per day.

Fatty Liver

Individuals who consume larger than average amounts of alcohol may develop a condition known as fatty liver disease, which occurs when the liver metabolizes alcohol into water and carbon dioxide. As soon as heavy drinking stops, the condition goes away. It is worth noting, however, heavy drinking is not the only cause of fatty liver disease, and other causes include diabetes as well as obesity. In the case of obesity, losing excess weight can result in the disappearance of fatty liver disease.

Approximately ten percent of heavy drinkers who have fatty liver disease will develop cirrhosis, which is the third stage of alcoholic liver disease. Up to thirty percent of heavy drinkers will develop hepatitis, a progressive phase of liver damage.