Alcohol Related Liver Disease

What is alcohol related liver disease?

Alcohol related liver disease occurs due to repeated injury to the liver from alcohol use. It can range from simple fatty liver to alcohol related hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

Stages of alcohol related liver injury

• Alcohol related fatty liver
• Alcohol related hepatitis
• Liver fibrosis
• Cirrhosis
• Decompensated cirrhosis with ascites, bleeding or jaundice
• Acute-on-chronic liver failure

Warning signs

• Jaundice
• Abdominal swelling or ascites
• Vomiting blood or black stools
• Swelling of legs
• Confusion or excessive sleepiness
• Loss of muscle mass
• Repeated infections

Can the liver recover?

Early alcohol related fatty liver can improve with complete abstinence. Even in advanced disease, stopping alcohol reduces complications and improves survival. However, established cirrhosis may not completely reverse and needs specialist follow-up.

Why complete abstinence matters

There is no safe amount of alcohol once significant liver disease has developed. Continuing alcohol after diagnosis increases the risk of liver failure, bleeding, infections, liver cancer and death.

How is it evaluated?

• Liver function tests
• Ultrasound abdomen
• FibroScan or liver stiffness measurement
• Screening for viral hepatitis and other causes
• Assessment of nutrition and muscle loss
• Evaluation for cirrhosis complications

When is liver transplant considered?

Liver transplant may be considered in selected patients with advanced alcohol related liver disease or liver failure after careful medical, psychological and addiction-related evaluation.

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Early specialist care can prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes.