Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alternate Names : Alcoholic Fatty Liver, Alcoholic Hepatitis, Alcoholic Cirrhosis

What are the treatments for the disease?

In all forms of alcoholic liver disease, the person needs to stop drinking alcohol. Alcoholics Anonymous or other support groups are often a part of successful treatment for alcoholism. Other treatments will not work if the person keeps drinking.

Most other treatments depend on the symptoms and amount of liver damage. An appropriate diet for liver disease includes a daily multivitamin and adequate protein. Medications, blood transfusions, or surgery may be needed in cases of severe hepatitis or cirrhosis.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

When an alcoholic stops drinking, severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms may occur. This may require a person to be admitted to the hospital. Seizures and even death can sometimes occur.

All medications have side effects, including allergic reactions and stomach upset. Blood transfusions can cause allergic reactions and infections. Surgery can result in bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

If drinking stops, fatty liver and hepatitis are usually reversible. Cirrhosis is not reversible but may stabilize. With advanced alcoholic cirrhosis, people usually die from liver failure even if they do stop drinking. If cirrhosis develops, lifelong treatment is required.

How is the disease monitored?

Alcoholic liver disease is monitored through periodic visits to the healthcare provider and liver function tests. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.