What is Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a serious condition caused by excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption, leading to toxic damage to the liver. The progression of ALD typically follows several stages — starting with alcoholic fatty liver, advancing to alcoholic hepatitis, and potentially progressing to alcoholic cirrhosis or even alcoholic liver cancer. In some cases, a sudden and excessive intake of alcohol can trigger acute severe alcoholic hepatitis, which may rapidly lead to liver failure.

During the fatty liver stage, symptoms are often non-specific and may include fatigue, nausea, and a decreased tolerance for fatty foods. As the condition worsens into alcoholic hepatitis, more severe signs may appear, such as elevated liver enzymes, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes, skin, and urine), irritability, mood changes, and gastrointestinal issues like bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

If the disease progresses to cirrhosis, a range of complications may arise, including ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), enlarged spleen, portal hypertension, esophageal and gastric varices, hepatic encephalopathy, hepato-renal syndrome, coagulation disorders, as well as visible signs like spider angiomas and palmar erythema. These complications indicate advanced liver damage and require immediate medical attention.

Alcoholic cirrhosis can ultimately lead to liver failure or increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, making early intervention critical. The most effective treatment for alcoholic liver disease is complete abstinence from alcohol. In addition, managing complications and seeking timely medical care can significantly improve outcomes and prevent further deterioration of liver function.