A Brief Insight Into Diverse Stages Of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

 

Drinking a large amount of alcohol can lead to a build-up of fats in the liver. This condition is known as alcoholic fatty liver disease, and is the very first stage of Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD). Fatty liver doesn’t cause any major symptom, but is a huge warning sign that a person needs to limit their drinking. Alcoholic fatty liver disease treatment largely comprises of self care, which includes putting a stop to alcohol consumption. 

The second stage of ARLD is Alcoholic hepatitis. It is a potentially severe condition that tends to be caused by overconsumption of alcohol over a longer period. The liver damage associated with mild alcoholic hepatitis is usually reversible if a person stops drinking permanently. Severe alcoholic hepatitis, however, can be a life-threatening illness.

The third and last stage of ARLD is cirrhosis. By this stage, the liver becomes majorly scarred. While cirrhosis is not reversible, stopping drinking alcohol immediately can prevent further damage and significantly increase the life expectancy of the patient.  People suffering from cirrhosis might have to go through a liver transplant. Major liver transplant hospital in Delhi considers patients for this major surgery if they have developed complications of cirrhosis despite having stopped drinking. Due to the severe nature of the surgery, only an experienced and reputed liver transplant surgeon in India should be consulted for it. Patients would have to stop drink alcohol while awaiting the transplant, and for the rest of their life as well, to ensure their well-being.