How to Treat Severe Alcoholic Liver Disease

Severe alcoholic liver disease can lead to significant liver dysfunction and is often diagnosed with symptoms such as fatty liver and cirrhosis through ultrasound imaging. This condition is primarily caused by long-term and excessive alcohol consumption, which damages liver cells over time.

The first and most critical step in treating severe alcoholic liver disease is complete abstinence from alcohol. Continued drinking can accelerate liver damage and reduce the effectiveness of any medical treatment.

To assess the extent of liver damage, doctors typically recommend a series of diagnostic tests. These may include blood tests to evaluate liver function, coagulation factors, and levels of enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). An abdominal ultrasound is also commonly used to visualize the liver's condition.

When elevated liver enzymes are detected, medications such as diammonium glycyrrhizinate may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and support liver function. In addition, patients are often advised to take vitamin B complex supplements to aid in liver cell repair and overall metabolic health.

If bilirubin and bile acid levels are elevated, treatment may include the use of ursodeoxycholic acid capsules to improve bile flow and reduce liver toxicity. This type of therapy can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

In advanced cases where cirrhosis has developed and liver function is severely compromised, liver transplantation may be the only viable treatment option. However, eligibility for a transplant typically requires a period of sustained alcohol abstinence and comprehensive medical evaluation.

In summary, managing severe alcoholic liver disease involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and in some cases, surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and consistent follow-up care are essential for improving long-term outcomes.