Alcohol abuse is one of the most common causes of cirrhosis of the liver, a condition which can lead to liver failure.
What is cirrhosis of the liver?
Cirrhosis of the liver is when normally healthy tissues of the liver are gradually replaced by scarred tissues. Instead of your liver having smooth tissues, it becomes lumpy and hard. This damaged tissue can eventually prevent the liver from working properly.What are the symptoms of alcohol induced cirrhosis?
Most people with the early stages of liver cirrhosis will probably be unaware of any symptoms and could spend up to 20 years not realising they have the condition. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms could include:- Abdominal pains
- Diarrhoea
- Tiredness
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Internal bleeding of the gut
- Bruising easily
- Tiredness
- Very itchy skin
- Jaundice
- Liver cancer
- Swelling of the legs, ankles or abdomen
- Vomiting blood
- Loss of appetite
- Increased sensitivity to alcohol and drugs