Published: 2015-09-27 years Updated: 2021-07-27
Author: Thomas C. Weiss | Contact: Disabled-World.com
Peer-reviewed publications: N / A
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Summary: Information regarding Alcoholic Liver Disease, a condition that can occur after years of drinking. The effect of alcohol on a person’s liver depends on how much and how long they have been drinking. Each person; however, may experience different symptoms. The effect of alcohol on a person’s liver depends on how much and how long they have been drinking. Each person; however, may experience different symptoms.
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Main announcement
Alcoholic liver disease is defined as an umbrella term that includes liver manifestations of excessive alcohol intake, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and chronic hepatitis with cirrhosis or cirrhosis. Alcoholic liver disease occurs after many years of heavy drinking. Heavy drinking can be every day, or a few days of the week, such as on weekends. Any type of alcohol can cause illness.
Alcoholic liver disease doesn’t happen to everyone who drinks a lot. The likelihood of liver disease increases the longer a person drinks and the amount of alcohol they consume. A person does not need to be drunk for illness to occur. The disease seems to be more common in some families. It is important to note that women may be more susceptible to this condition than men.
Types of alcoholic liver disease
There are three main forms of alcoholic liver disease:
- Steatosis
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Cirrhosis due to alcohol
The following are descriptions of these three forms of alcoholic liver disease.
Steatosis:
Fatty liver is the accumulation of too much fat inside a person’s liver cells. Fatty liver is the most common form of alcoholic liver disease. The patient’s liver becomes enlarged, causing them to feel discomfort in the upper right abdomen.
Alcoholic hepatitis:
Alcoholic hepatitis is an acute inflammation of the liver, accompanied by destruction of individual liver cells and, often, permanent scarring. Symptoms may include jaundice, fever, right-sided abdominal pain, weakness, and nausea. The person’s white blood count becomes elevated and their liver is both tender and large.
Alcoholic cirrhosis:
Alcoholic cirrhosis involves the destruction of liver tissue, leaving behind non-functional scar tissue. Symptoms and signs, along with those of alcoholic hepatitis, include increased resistance to blood flow through the person’s liver (portal hypertension), an enlarged spleen, and an enlarged spleen. causes, fluid accumulation in the person’s abdominal cavity (ascites), confusion, kidney failure, and liver cancer.
Symptoms of alcoholic liver disease
The effect of alcohol on a person’s liver depends on how much and how long they have been drinking. Each person; however, may experience different symptoms. The following are the most common signs and symptoms of alcoholic liver disease.
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Panic
- Big liver
- CKD
- Large spleen
- Gate booster
- Spider veins on the skin
- Increase white blood cell count
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity)
Symptoms of alcoholic liver disease can be similar to other forms of health problems or medical conditions. Always consult your doctor if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
Laboratory tests and alcoholic liver disease
Along with a complete history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for alcoholic liver disease may include liver function tests, liver biopsy, computed tomography (CT) scan, and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI). The following are descriptions of these laboratory tests.
Liver function tests:
Liver function tests include a series of blood tests that can determine if a person’s liver is working properly.
Liver biopsy:
A liver biopsy is a procedure that involves removing tissue samples from a person’s liver using a needle or during surgery. The tissue samples are then examined under a microscope.
Computed tomography (CT) scan:
A CT scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of computer technology and X-rays to create cross-sectional images commonly known as ‘slices’ both vertically and horizontally of a person’s body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of a person’s body, including muscles, bones, organs, and fat. A CT scan is more detailed than a general X-ray.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
An MRI is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to create detailed images of their internal organs and structures. This person lies on a bed that is transferred into a cylindrical MRI machine. The machine takes a series of pictures of the inside of a person’s body using radio waves and a magnetic field. Computer enhances the generated images. The test is painless and does not involve exposing the patient to radiation. Due to the fact that the MRI machine is tunneled, some people have claustrophobia, or are unable to stand still during the test and may be given a sedative to help them relax. Metal objects cannot be present in an MRI room, so people who have metal clips, rods, or pacemakers inside their bodies cannot have an MRI test. All of a person’s jewelry must also be removed prior to the procedure.
Treatment of alcoholic liver disease
Specific treatment for alcoholic liver disease is determined by the person’s doctor. The doctor will determine the treatment of the affected person based on:
- The extent of the person’s illness
- Interests or opinions of others
- Expectations about the course of the disease
- The person’s age, medical history, and overall health
- A person’s tolerance for specific drugs, therapies, or procedures
The goal of treatment is to restore some or all of the normal function of the liver. Treatment usually begins with abstaining from alcohol. The liver has great resilience and can often repair some of the damage caused by heavy drinking. Scarring from cirrhosis is irreversible, and when the loss of liver tissue is severe enough to cause liver failure, much of the damage caused can be irreversible. In some cases, a liver transplant may be considered.
Author credentials:
Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses for a Master’s, Bachelor’s and two Associate’s degrees, as well as studying Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant, Thomas has supported people of many racial, religious, gender, class and age groups by providing care to people with all forms of disabilities. disability from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson’s; paralysis and quadriplegia for spina bifida.
Disability World is an independent disability community founded in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their families and/or carers. . Check out our homepage for helpful news, reviews, sports, stories and guides. You can also connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or learn more about Disability World on our about us page.
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Disability World provides general information only. The documents presented are never meant to be a substitute for the professional medical care of a qualified physician, and they should not be construed as such. Financial assistance is obtained from advertisements or referral programs, if specified. Any 3rd party offers or advertisements do not constitute an endorsement.
• Citation of this Page (APA): Thomas C. Weiss. (2015, September 27). Alcoholic liver disease: Types, Symptoms, Treatment. The world of people with disabilities. Accessed October 22, 2022 from www.disabled-world.com/health/ald-overview.php
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