How To Identify Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is primarily diagnosed through a combination of medical history and clinical symptoms. One of the key indicators is a prolonged history of heavy alcohol consumption — typically, consuming at least 40 grams of pure alcohol per day for men or 20 grams for women, over a period of no less than five years. In some cases, even short-term but extremely heavy drinking — such as ingesting more than 80 grams of pure alcohol daily over a two-week period — can also lead to liver damage.

Another essential factor in diagnosing ALD is ruling out other potential causes of liver disease. It is crucial to exclude conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, and autoimmune liver disorders. Comprehensive blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes a liver biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis and eliminate alternative explanations for liver dysfunction.

Early symptoms of alcoholic liver disease can be subtle, including fatigue, weight loss, and discomfort in the upper right abdomen. As the condition progresses, signs such as jaundice, fluid buildup in the abdomen, and mental confusion may appear.

In summary, an accurate diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease involves evaluating long-term alcohol use and excluding other liver conditions through medical testing. If both criteria are met, a diagnosis of ALD can be confidently made. Seeking medical advice early is highly recommended for those at risk.