Liver cirrhosis is a serious liver disease that occurs when healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue. This condition affects both men and women, but men are more prone to it in excessive alcohol consumption.

The liver’s main function is filtering blood coming from the digestive tract, detoxifying harmful substances and producing bile for digestion and storage of nutrients. However, excessive alcohol use can lead to liver damage, causing liver cirrhosis, and other serious medical conditions.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, men have a higher risk of developing liver cirrhosis from long-term alcohol abuse compared to women.

Men who consume alcohol more than two drinks a day or women who drink more than one drink a day are at increased risk of developing liver cirrhosis due to long-term alcohol use.

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis in Men

The initial stage of liver cirrhosis, or compensated cirrhosis, usually does not show any symptoms. The symptoms usually occur as the disease progresses, and the liver’s functions are affected.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of liver cirrhosis in men to look out for include:.

1. Fatigue and weakness

As the liver fails to perform its function, the body feels tired and weak due to the blood not being adequately filtered. The buildup of toxins in the body can lead to fatigue and lethargy.

2. Loss of appetite and weight loss

As the disease progresses, the liver may start to have difficulty digesting food leading to loss of appetite and weight loss. Digestion problems can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

3. Abdominal swelling or ascites

Liver cirrhosis can cause the buildup of fluid in the abdomen, causing swelling. Ascites can cause discomfort and pain in the abdomen.

4. Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Jaundice is a common symptom of liver cirrhosis that occurs when the liver is unable to remove excess bilirubin from the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product produced by the liver when old red blood cells break down.

5. Itchy skin

The buildup of bile acids in the bloodstream can cause itchy skin. Scratching the skin can cause rashes and skin infections.

6. Spider angiomas

Spider angiomas are small blood vessels on the skin that resemble a spider’s legs, and they are a visual sign of liver cirrhosis.

These red spots develop due to the excessive estrogen produced by the liver and are commonly found on the chest, arms, and hands.

7. Easy bruising and bleeding

As the liver’s ability to produce blood clotting factors reduces, a person with liver cirrhosis may experience unexplained bruising and bleeding. They may also bleed from the esophagus or stomach.

8. Confusion and poor memory

The buildup of toxins that are usually filtered by the liver can affect brain function, causing confusion, drowsiness, and memory problems.

9. Testicular swelling and breast enlargement

Liver cirrhosis can affect a man’s hormones, causing testicular shrinkage and an enlarged breast tissue called gynecomastia.

10. Kidney failure

A person with liver cirrhosis may develop kidney damage, leading to kidney failure. Kidney failure can cause swelling in the legs and feet, shortness of breath, and confusion.

Prevention and Management of Liver Cirrhosis in Men

Liver cirrhosis is irreversible, and it’s critical to prevent the disease from developing in the first place. Men need to limit their alcohol intake to prevent liver damage.

If you think you are drinking too much, seek help from a healthcare provider or support groups to help reduce your alcohol consumption or quit drinking entirely.

Other prevention measures include getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and C, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.

If you already have liver cirrhosis, your doctor will recommend management strategies to control its progression and reduce complications.

Conclusion

Liver cirrhosis is a life-threatening condition that occurs due to the long-term effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

The disease can lead to liver failure, and it’s critical to recognize the early warning signs and symptoms to manage the disease successfully. Men who consume alcohol should ensure they drink in moderation to prevent liver damage, and those with existing liver cirrhosis need to manage the condition’s progression carefully.

Seeking help from healthcare providers or support groups can help reduce alcohol consumption, prevent and manage liver cirrhosis.