Understanding Cirrhosis: Hepatitis C vs. Alcohol-Related Damage
Recently, my 77-year-old father was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. We have long believed that this condition stemmed from years of untreated chronic hepatitis. It was only after his visits to a healthcare professional for hypertension that elevated liver function tests prompted further investigation, leading to the identification of hepatitis C and cirrhosis, as well as portal hypertension and varices. He has been approved to start treatment with Mavyret for his hepatitis C. Despite being diagnosed with hepatitis over 35 years ago when I was just a child, we thought it was a false positive after more tests at that time indicated otherwise. While reviewing his medical history, my mother noted an entry stating "Alcoholic cirrhosis, unspecified if ascites present (CMS & HHS-HCC)." Throughout his life, my father has limited himself to an occasional beer in the evening—often not finishing it—and shows no signs of alcoholism. We reside in a predominantly Mormon community, where there is a common misconception that consuming even a single alcoholic beverage equates to being an alcoholic. This perception is something I have seen and encountered numerous times. This situation brings up several concerns for me: 1. While I recognize that alcohol can damage the liver, particularly if it is already compromised, can the consumption of just one drink daily actually lead to cirrhosis? Is there a definitive way to determine the underlying cause of this condition? 2. Does it even matter how the cirrhosis is classified? I worry that if other healthcare providers see "alcoholic cirrhosis" in his records, they might misinterpret his condition or make biased treatment decisions based on the assumption that he drinks heavily.
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 12:30:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Your father's cirrhosis may stem from either hepatitis C or limited alcohol use, and understanding the classification of his cirrhosis is crucial for his treatment.
Explanation: Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver that can result from various causes, including chronic hepatitis C infection and excessive alcohol consumption. While heavy and chronic alcohol use is known to contribute to cirrhosis, occasional drinking—like having a single drink daily—does not typically lead to this condition in individuals who do not have other underlying liver issues. The classification of cirrhosis, such as “alcoholic cirrhosis,” can impact healthcare decisions and perceptions. However, symptoms and contributions from different factors should ultimately guide treatment.
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Alcohol Consumption and Cirrhosis: A single daily drink by itself is usually insufficient to cause cirrhosis, especially without other heavy drinking patterns or liver damage. However, for an accurate understanding of your father's liver health, determining the extent of any alcohol-related damage in conjunction with hepatitis C is essential.
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Cirrhosis Classification Importance: Understanding how cirrhosis is classified can affect further treatment. If providers see "alcoholic cirrhosis," they may mistakenly assume that your father’s liver condition solely resulted from alcohol. It would be beneficial to ensure that his medical records reflect the complete picture of his liver health, specifically addressing the significant role of hepatitis C.
Next Steps:
- Document Symptoms and History: Keep a detailed record of your father’s symptoms and medical history to share with all healthcare providers. Mention the long-standing hepatitis C diagnosis and the minimal alcohol consumption as relevant contexts.
- Seek a Liver Specialist's Opinion: Consider scheduling an appointment with a hepatologist (liver specialist) to clarify the specific cause of cirrhosis and discuss the implications of the current diagnosis.
- Request Clarification in Medical Records: Contact his primary healthcare provider and request updates or clarifications in his medical records regarding the classification of cirrhosis. Ensure that the hepatitis C is acknowledged as a significant factor.
- Communicate Openly with Healthcare Providers: When interacting with any new or existing healthcare professionals, thoughtfully communicate your father's history to provide a comprehensive understanding of his condition, aiming to mitigate any biases from previous notes.
If you have further concerns or questions about your father's health or treatment options, please feel free to reach out.
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