What To Do If You Have Alcoholic Liver Disease
Alcoholic liver disease is becoming increasingly common in modern society. It is caused by long-term and excessive alcohol consumption, initially manifesting as fatty liver disease, which can progress to alcoholic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis. Compared to men, women are more susceptible to alcohol-induced liver damage. Even with smaller amounts of alcohol and over a shorter period, women may develop more severe forms of alcoholic liver disease and are at higher risk for serious hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Long-term alcohol use is defined as consuming alcohol for more than five years, with daily ethanol intake of at least 40g for men and 20g for women. Binge drinking, defined as consuming more than 80g of ethanol per day over a two-week period, also significantly increases the risk.
Common symptoms include upper right abdominal pain or discomfort, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, jaundice, abnormal liver function tests, and signs of cirrhosis. If you suspect or have been diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease, the most critical step is to quit alcohol completely under medical guidance. Regular follow-ups with liver function tests, abdominal ultrasounds, transient elastography, and abdominal CT scans are essential for monitoring disease progression.
If symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, gastrointestinal bleeding, confusion, or severe fatigue appear, immediate hospitalization is necessary to manage complications and stabilize liver function. In addition to abstinence, treatment involves nutritional support to address secondary malnutrition, the use of liver-protecting and anti-inflammatory medications, and strategies to prevent complications associated with alcoholic cirrhosis.
Early intervention and lifestyle changes are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing irreversible liver damage.