Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Alcoholic Cirrhosis Treatment in Aurora, CO

Our Team Treats Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Liver damage is a serious concern that requires prompt medical attention from a trained professional. Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates (RMG) can diagnose alcoholic cirrhosis, help you understand the condition, and provide treatment to manage its symptoms. We have been a leading medical services provider in communities throughout Colorado for nearly 25 years. RMG operates 15 offices, six state-of-the-art Endoscopy Centers, and a specialized pathology laboratory in the region. Additionally, many of our gastroenterologists practice at leading hospitals throughout the state. To better understand alcoholic liver cirrhosis, call our friendly team today.

Understanding Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Alcoholic cirrhosis is a condition that results in late-stage scarring – fibrosis – of the liver. The liver’s role is to filter toxins from your blood, produce enzymes that facilitate digestion, and fight infections. Each time it sustains damage – whether by disease, alcohol consumption, or another issue – it attempts to repair itself. This causes scar tissue to form. Over time, scar tissue builds up and hinders the liver’s function. Damage caused by cirrhosis typically cannot be undone, but we can help you limit further complications with early diagnosis and treatment.

Recognizing Alcoholic Cirrhosis Symptoms

Symptoms of alcoholic cirrhosis typically do not begin to present themselves until liver damage is extensive. Therefore, it is especially important to act quickly when you start experiencing them. Make an appointment with the highly-skilled doctors at Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates if you notice:

• Brownish urine
• Enlarged spleen
• Fatigue
• Fluid accumulation in your abdomen
• Intense itching
• Jaundice
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea
• Severe muscle cramps
• Spiderlike blood vessels on your skin
• Weight loss

Symptoms specific to men include a loss of sex drive, breast enlargement, and testicular atrophy. Women may experience an absence of periods unrelated to menopause.

Causes of Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis always develops as a result of another liver problem or disease. It is essential to treat the cause of your cirrhosis to ensure it does not worsen to the point that you can no longer produce healthy liver cells. Common causes of cirrhosis include:

• Alcohol abuse
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Genetic digestive disorder
• Hemochromatosis
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Infections
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Wilson’s disease

We Will Perform Tests to Diagnose Your Condition

To properly treat your alcoholic cirrhosis, we must accurately diagnose its root cause. We will review your medical history and lifestyle while also performing tests to pinpoint the reason for your condition.  Among the tests we may perform are:

• Imaging Tests – Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), MRI, CT scans, and ultrasounds can detect hardening or stiffening of the liver.
• Laboratory Tests – Our team can perform blood tests to identify signs of liver malfunction and diagnose the cause of cirrhosis.
• Biopsy – We may use a tissue sample to determine the extent of your liver damage.

Alcoholic Cirrhosis Treatment Options

The goals of alcoholic cirrhosis treatment are to limit the condition’s progression and minimize symptoms. We will determine the right plan for you based on the severity of your disease and its cause. Among the ways to address liver damage are discontinuing alcohol consumption, losing weight, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and medications. We will also treat complications such as excess fluid in your body, infections, and hepatic encephalopathy. In severe cases, patients may need to undergo liver transplant surgery.

Contact Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates Today

If you notice any of the typical signs of alcoholic cirrhosis, you should contact a gastroenterologist right away. These symptoms signify extensive liver damage and must be treated immediately. Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates has locations in Aurora, Centennial, Littleton, and Denver, CO, among other areas, to serve you. Request an appointment today.