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Treatment For Alcoholic Liver

28th May, 2009 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Studies have shown that moderate consumption of alcohol has healthy benefits to the body, but with like most things, too much of a good thing can be harmful. The most common alcohol related disease is cirrhosis or alcoholic liver disease. This can include alcoholic hepatitis, liver inflammation, hepatitis, fever, jaundice and abdominal pain. In this article, we’ll review the causes and symptoms of this life threatening illness and how it is treated.

Alcoholic liver disease usually occurs after years of excessive drinking. The longer the alcohol use goes on and the more alcohol that is consumed, the greater the likelihood of developing an alcoholic liver. Acute alcoholic hepatitis can result from binge drinking. It may be life-threatening if severe.

People who drink excessively can become malnourished because of the empty calories from alcohol, reduced appetite, and poor absorption of nutrients in the intestines. Factors such as genetics, personal susceptibility to alcohol-induced liver disease, and the toxicity of alcohol (ethanol) to the liver all impact the chances of developing liver disease. Women may be more susceptible than men, and it is not necessary to get drunk for the disease to develop.

Important facts:

• Early recognition is important since an alcoholic fatty liver responds to alcohol withdrawal.
• Studies have shown that moderate consumption of alcohol has healthy benefits to the body.
• The symptoms of liver disease due to alcohol can vary according to the individual.

The symptoms of liver disease due to alcohol can vary according to the individual. Changes start in the liver as inflammation (hepatitis) and lead to fatty liver and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the final phase of alcoholic liver disease.

Symptoms may not be present until the disease is advanced, and may include abdominal pain and tenderness, dry mouth and excessive thirst, fatigue, fever, jaundice, loss of appetite, mental confusion and nausea. Some patients also exhibit abnormally dark or light skin, dark bowel movements, breast development in males, redness on feet or hands and lethargic movement. Symptoms vary based on the severity of the disease and usually worsens after a period of heavy drinking.

Early recognition is important since an alcoholic fatty liver responds to alcohol withdrawal and a nutritious diet. Patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis should be admitted to hospital and complications of liver failure treated appropriately. These patients usually have significant metabolic abnormalities that have to be corrected.

Hyperglycemia is a common manifestation of chronic liver disease because of insulin resistance. Cirrhosis is an irreversible process, and therapy is directed at the complications of liver failure and portal hypertension. An organ transplant is a treatment option for patients with end-stage alcoholic cirrhosis. However, liver transplantation is a reasonable option in patients with alcoholic liver disease providing there is prolonged abstinence (at least six months), good social supports and no evidence of severe damage to other organs due to alcoholism.

Alcoholism is as much a disease as an alcoholic liver is and requires treatment. The first step in alcohol control is to make a change in lifestyle. Studies have shown that giving up drinking and eating a healthy, nutritious diet can greatly improve an alcoholic’s health. Patients should speak to their doctor about a dietary change in tandem with medical treatment. With resolve and the support of friends and family, giving up alcohol can be done.