Alcoholic Liver Disease

What is it?
Alcoholic liver disease is an inflammation of the liver cells from exposure to alcohol.
Who gets it?
Anyone who consumes alcohol is at risk to develop the disease, even moderate drinkers or social drinkers. Episodes of Alcoholic Hepatitis can place individuals at increased risk of developing cirrhosis. Women are at increased risk to develop liver damage.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of Alcoholic Liver Disease include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever jaundice, and loss of appetite. Alcoholic hepatitis may lead to cirrhosis of the liver with the continued ingestion of alcohol.
Diagnosis
Blood tests may aid in the diagnosis. Liver biopsy is helpful in establishing between alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis. The disease may come and go depending on the amount and frequency of consumption.
Treatment
The most effective treatment is to stop alcohol consumption before cirrhosis develops. Alcoholic hepatitis may be treated with Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, good nutrition and rest is also important. Avoidance of potentially liver toxic medications and chemicals is also important. The prognosis is hopeful for individuals with Alcoholic Hepatitis. Prevention of Alcoholic Cirrhosis is crucial to long term survival. Liver Transplantation may be necessary for progressive disease that leads to cirrhosis.