What are the treatment options for alcoholic liver disease?

For people with severe alcoholic hepatitis, treatment in hospital may be necessary. Specific treatment with corticosteroids or pentoxifylline medication may be used to reduce inflammation of the liver in some people with this condition. Nutritional support is also an important part of treatment in these cases.

What are the two liver diseases common in alcoholics?

Alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis are linked to the long-term alcohol abuse seen in alcoholics. Healthcare providers don’t know why some people who drink alcohol get liver disease while others do not.

What is the most serious type of alcohol-related liver disease?

Alcohol-related cirrhosis is the most serious type of alcohol-related liver disease. Cirrhosis refers to the replacement of normal liver tissue with nonliving scar tissue. Between 10 and 20 percent of heavy drinkers develop cirrhosis, usually after 10 or more years of drinking.

What are the three progressive stages of alcoholic liver disease?

Alcoholic liver disease is defined by three stages of liver damage following chronic heavy alcohol consumption: fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and fibrosis/cirrhosis (Figure 5).

Can you reverse liver damage from alcoholism?

The human body can reverse damage from several types of minor liver damage; however, in some cases, the damage might be permanent. If you can reverse liver damage from alcoholism, it will occur in the earliest stage of dependency. Cirrhosis is permanent and you cannot undo the damage that has already occurred.

What are the symptoms of liver failure due to alcohol?

Symptoms of alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD)

  • feeling sick.
  • weight loss.
  • loss of appetite.
  • yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
  • swelling in the ankles and tummy.
  • confusion or drowsiness.
  • vomiting blood or passing blood in your stools.