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Alcoholic liver disease

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Liver disease due to alcohol; Cirrhosis or hepatitis - alcoholic; Laennec's cirrhosis

Treatment:

The objective of treatment is to discontinue alcohol, and to provide a high-carbohydrates, high-calorie diet to reduce protein breakdown in the body. Vitamins, especially B1 and folic acid, are associated with improvement. An alcohol rehabilitation program or counseling may be necessary to break the alcohol addiction. Management of the complications of chronic liver disease may be needed. If cirrhosis develops, liver transplant may be necessary.

Support Groups:

The stress of illness can often be eased by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See alcoholism - support group and liver disease - support group .

Expectations (prognosis):

Continued excessive drinking is associated with a shorter life expectancy. The probable outcome is poor if drinking continues.

Complications:

• Bleeding esophageal varices
• Portal hypertension
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Cirrhosis

Calling your health care provider:

• Call your health care provider if symptoms of alcoholic liver disease develop.
• Call your provider if symptoms develop after prolonged or heavy drinking, or if you are concerned that drinking may be damaging your health.

• Review Date: 5/4/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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