Can alcoholic cirrhosis be contagious?

Written by Yang Chun Guang

Gastroenterology

Updated on September 10, 2024

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Cirrhosis caused by hepatitis formed by alcohol is not contagious in clinical settings. Contagious cirrhosis generally refers to viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis A, B, C, and E, which are infectious. Alcoholic cirrhosis, primarily caused by drinking, is not caused by viruses; hence, alcohol does not facilitate transmission between people.

The common transmission modes involve fecal-oral routes, for instance, through blood and bodily fluids in hepatitis A and B. In contrast, alcoholic liver disease is relatively safe, so there is no need to worry about it being contagious.

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What should be noted in the early stages of cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a disease characterized by diffuse fibrosis of the liver tissue, pseudolobules, and regenerative nodules. In China, it is mostly caused by chronic hepatitis B, with a small portion caused by chronic hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease. What should be noted if someone has cirrhosis? Firstly, alcohol consumption should be restricted; regardless of whether the cirrhosis is alcohol-related, abstaining from alcohol is critical as it can further damage the liver cells; Secondly, a low-sodium diet is advised, meaning that salt intake should be reduced. Excessive salt can lead to fluid retention, resulting in ascites or edema; Thirdly, increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits and intake some high-quality proteins, such as beans or fish, but avoid raw seafood; Lastly, be cautious with the use of various medications. Drugs that cause liver damage should be avoided to prevent exacerbating cirrhosis.

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What are the symptoms of early cirrhosis?

Early-stage cirrhosis does not have specific symptoms, and its manifestations are not typical. Some patients may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience general weakness, aversion to greasy food, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain. If these symptoms occur, it is recommended to visit a hospital promptly for an examination to determine the specific illness. If diagnosed with cirrhosis, it is necessary to identify the cause. Common diseases that lead to cirrhosis include viral hepatitis, such as chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C, as well as alcoholic liver disease and fatty liver. Once the cause is identified, treatment can be targeted based on the specific cause.

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Is late-stage liver cirrhosis with liver failure easy to control?

In the late stages of cirrhosis, when the condition has progressed to liver failure, it becomes very difficult to manage. At this stage, due to liver failure, the first issue to arise is abnormal coagulation function, such as easy bleeding in patients. This will lead to severe hypoalbuminemia, causing swelling throughout the body. Additionally, bilirubin levels are very high, leading to various metabolic diseases, such as metabolic encephalopathy, which affects other organs as well. In the late stages of cirrhosis, there is also a large amount of ascites. At this time, portal hypertension is common, leading to complications such as gastric and esophageal varices rupture, bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy, making the condition very difficult to control. If the cirrhosis is a benign lesion, at this time, adjusting liver function through methods such as artificial livers or plasma exchange can improve the condition to a manageable extent. It is critical to act quickly to perform a liver transplant, as there are no other effective treatments besides transplant, and the condition is very difficult to control.

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Gastroenterology

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Is it serious if someone with cirrhosis doesn't have bowel movements?

Cirrhosis without bowel movements does not necessarily mean that the condition is very severe. Patients with cirrhosis who have no bowel movements might be experiencing poor digestion, leading to slow intestinal movements and subsequently constipation. However, constipation can potentially trigger hepatic encephalopathy, thus it requires proactive treatment. Oral lactulose can be used for bowel movement, or an enema with white vinegar to acidify the intestines can also be administered. Patients with cirrhosis who develop hepatic encephalopathy, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or primary peritonitis are experiencing severe conditions and need to actively undergo corresponding treatment measures. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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What should I do if cirrhosis causes general weakness?

Liver cirrhosis can lead to general weakness due to electrolyte disorders or severe liver function impairment, causing the symptoms mentioned above. Once general weakness occurs, it is necessary to go to the hospital for comprehensive auxiliary examinations, such as liver function tests, routine blood tests, and electrolyte tests. Additionally, imaging studies of the abdomen should be performed to determine whether conditions like ascites, anemia, or hyponatremia exist. Different treatments are administered based on different disease diagnoses. For instance, if the weakness is due to severe ascites causing dilutional hyponatremia, sodium supplementation might be necessary, along with appropriate ascites drainage.