Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, which damages the liver over time. It progresses through three main stages:

1. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: This is the earliest stage, where fat accumulates in the liver. It often has no symptoms and can be reversed by abstaining from alcohol.
2. Alcoholic Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver occurs, leading to symptoms like jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain. Severe cases can be life-threatening.
3. Alcoholic Cirrhosis: This is the most advanced stage, where scarring of the liver impairs its function. It can lead to complications like liver failure and, in rare cases, liver cancer.

Symptoms

• Fatigue and weakness
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting

Prevention and Treatment

• Prevention: Limit alcohol intake.
• Treatment: Early stages can be reversed by stopping alcohol consumption. Advanced stages may require a liver transplant.