The damaging effects of drinking alcohol are known to everyone: it is dangerous and harmful for the health. Drinking alcohol is similar to consuming poison. It is almost like a slow death, at first it affects the organs and eventually causes damage to the whole body. Liver disease, high blood pressure, trouble pumping blood, and several other food pipe problems are linked to heavy drinking. 

The liver is the first organ to be affected by alcohol. Alcoholic liver disease stages occur in three stages :-

  • Fatty liver- Fatty liver is the first stage of alcoholic liver disease. It’s highly prevalent and is depicted as an excessive accumulation of fat inside the liver cells. The excess fat makes it difficult for the liver to carry out its functions. If ignored, this can lead to serious conditions such as liver cirrhosis or even liver failure. With proper treatment and less consumption of alcohol, the condition gets better. It is better that one consults the best liver specialist doctor in Patna, Bihar area. 
  • Alcoholic hepatitis – As it is the second level, it is evident that the individual has been a heavy drinker for years, and even addicted to it. However, the relationship between the intake of alcohol and alcoholic hepatitis is complex. It can also happen even to people who drink moderately. Loss of appetite is one of the first symptoms to develop. It also causes malnutrition, which is often seen in this second stage. Often at this stage, the liver is inflamed, causing the liver cells to degenerate quickly. 
  • Liver Cirrhosis – Alcoholic liver disease cirrhosis is the final stage where the liver tissue starts scarring permanently. At times it is irreversible. This results after years of inflammation. This condition causes the liver to shrink and becomes scarred and lumpy. Cirrhosis of the liver is permanent damage. The condition can lead to liver failure, where your liver stops working properly. It may also lead to liver cancer. Some of the symptoms are – 
  • Spleen enlargement
  • Bleeding from views 
  • Fluid accumulation in the abdomen 
  • Confusion

The alcoholic liver disease symptoms can be noticed by an expert. Ons should seek guidance from a liver doctor in Patna.

It is possible that one may experience some other symptoms alongside alcoholic liver disease. Some of them are – 

Alcoholic liver disease and jaundice

The liver processes the alcohol we drink. When the liver is too scarred or inflamed, especially in the cirrhosis stage, it becomes difficult for the liver to process the matter. Thus, one is most likely to develop jaundice at this stage. Any person going through this condition requires immediate medical attention. Consult the best liver specialist in Delhi NCR for speedy recovery of the condition. 

 

Alcoholic liver and kidney failure

Alcohol disturbs the hormones that affect the functions of the kidney. Acute kidney failure is fatal and can be recovered but the risk of damage can go beyond normal functioning. Furthermore, it may lead to kidney transplants. Thus, a liver specialist in Patna should be consulted for the treatment. 

Alcoholic liver disease pathophysiology 

The enzyme system generates a highly reactive toxic and mutagenic metabolite. It degrades ethanol along with other organic substances and contributes more towards alcohol-related toxicity. 

Moving ahead with alcoholic liver disease diagnosis, few symptoms are noticed in the initial stage making it obvious as liver disease. If an expert suspects any liver disease, they would ask about your alcohol consumption and would recommend a blood test. If liver disease is of advanced form, then it may require imaging tests like CT scans or MRI scans. Rarely followed by endoscopy and biopsy.

Alcoholic liver disease treatment guidelines

Lifelong abstinence should be maintained if the condition is severe such as cirrhosis. However, for those who have been drinking alcohol heavily for a long time, quitting it directly can be a difficult task. It may lead to withdrawal symptoms. It’s difficult in the initial stage and individuals may experience disturbed sleep patterns. For the wellness of the patient, the doctor may prescribe medications, group therapy, etc. 

One must follow the alcoholic liver disease diet. The main aim is to have a well-balanced diet as well as ensuring that one gets all the essential nutrients.  For a personalized diet, consult a stomach doctor in Faridabad. The best gastroenterologist in Max Saket, Dr. Nivedita Pandey too can help in treating alcoholic liver disease. You can also find her as hepatologist in Patna or the best doctor for hepatitis b in Patna, a gastroenterologist in Faridabad, food pipe specialist, the best gastro doctor in Delhi, NCR, a gastroenterologist In Uttarakhand, a liver specialist in Jhansi, best gastroenterologist in Jammu take advantage of the online gastroenterology consultation to gastroenterologist live chat and receive the best treatment that your body deserves!

The medications for alcoholic liver disease differ as per the severity of the disease. One should continue the intake of nutrients along with the main course of medicines if required. If the severity of the liver is not reversible and the liver stops functioning then a liver transplant is the only available option. An operation for alcoholic liver disease is done by giving anesthesia at times. Transplant is considered if the failure of the liver is progressive and you are well enough to face such an operation. Also committing no drinking of alcohol comes with this transplant too.