Alcoholic Liver Disease
The liver is an organ that converts food into energy, absorbs vitamins from a person's diet, removes toxins from the blood, and makes important proteins. Alcoholic liver disease happens when the liver becomes damaged due to alcohol consumption and stops working properly.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by drinking too much alcohol over a number of years.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in:
Women.
People who have a family history of the disease.
People with poor nutrition.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms depend on the severity of the disease. Symptoms include:
Weight loss.
Loss of appetite.
Abdominal pain.
Abdominal swelling.
Tiredness.
Slow and sluggish movements .
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Symptoms are often worse after heavy drinking.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed with:
A physical exam.
Blood tests.
A liver biopsy.
Sometimes X-rays and an ultrasound are also done.
TREATMENT
Treatment may include:
Stopping alcohol use to allow the liver to heal.
Joining a support group or meeting with a counselor.
Medicines to reduce inflammation. These may be recommended if the disease is severe.
A liver transplant. This is the only treatment if the disease is very severe.
Nutritional therapy. This may involve:
Taking vitamins.
Eating foods high in thiamin, such as whole wheat cereals, pork, and raw vegetables.
Eating foods that have a lot of folic acid, such as vegetables, fruits, meats, beans, nuts, and dairy foods.
Eating a diet that includes carbohydrate-rich foods such as yogurt, beans, potatoes, and rice.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Do not drink alcohol.
Take medicines and vitamins only as directed by your health care provider.
Follow any diet instructions given to you by your health care provider.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
You have bright red blood in your
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