Alcoholic liver disease is the loss of functioning of the liver due to excessive alcohol abuse. It is involved in various activities of the body. Damage to the liver impairs the normal activities carried out by the liver. Chronic consumption of alcohol results in fat build-up, inflammation and scarring of the liver. It can also be fatal due to liver failure. Liver has over 500, functions such as filtering the toxins from the blood, synthesis of clotting factors, regulation of blood cholesterol levels, maintenance of blood sugar levels, and synthesis of certain hormones, etc.
Alcoholic liver disease results in cirrhosis of liver. Cirrhosis is the final stage of the liver diseases and the damage in this stage is irreversible. Liver possesses the ability to regenerate and repair on its own, however, chronic damage results in failure to repair, and hence the onset of symptoms. Heavy alcohol consumption involves more than 8 alcoholic beverages per week for women and up to 15 alcoholic beverages for men. Every alcoholic is not susceptible for the liver damage. But, the prolonged consumption is one of the risk factors to develop alcoholic liver disease which is fatal.
3MEDS-Online Medical Store in Delhi, India lists the symptoms, causes and treatments of the alcoholic liver disease.
Causes of alcoholic liver disease:
· Some individuals have inherited risk to acquire the disease
· Alcohol is the main cause for the cirrhosis of the liver. Long-term exposure to alcohol may result in the onset of the disease with the male predilection
· Older adults around the age of 40-50 years are more prone.
Symptoms, and types of alcoholic liver disease
· Alcoholic fatty liver disease: it is characterized by fat deposition over the liver. It is the first stage of liver disease and can be reversed on stoppage of alcohol.
· Acute alcoholic hepatitis: it involves swelling or inflammation of the liver. Depending on the disease progression, it can either be reversed or may result to liver failure.
· Alcoholic cirrhosis: it is the end stage of alcoholic liver disease where scaring of the liver occurs and is fatal.
Early symptoms include
· Loss of weight, and general malaise
· Pain in the abdomen
· Poor appetite
· Nausea
· Formation of spider web like blood vessels over the skin
Late symptoms include
· Oedema (collection of fluid in the lower limbs)
· Ascites (collection of fluid in the abdomen resulting in distension)
· Jaundice involves yellowing of the sclera of the eyes, skin and mucous membrane
· Reddening of palms and feet
· Itching of the body
· Impotence, shrinking of testicles in males
· Enlargement of breasts in males
· Fever and chills
· Clubbing of nails (curving)
· Clay coloured stools
· Blood in stools and vomit
· Unusual agitation or mood swings
· Confusion, fainting
· More tendency to bruise and bleed
Treatment
Early Diagnosing of alcoholic liver disease prevents fatality.
Some tests to diagnose include
· Detailed patient history, visual examination, palpation of the abdomen, alcohol history and certain tests.
· Complete blood count
· Liver function tests and liver biopsy
· Coagulation tests
· Ultrasound, and CT scan of the abdomen
· Blood test to rule out possible infections
Treatment is basically directed to completely remove the alcohol from the diet.
· Abstinence from alcohol
Gradual reduction in the alcohol consumption to completely quitting may reverse the damage to the liver. Sudden stoppage of alcohol consumption shouldn’t be practised as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms which are threaten to life. Enrol into alcohol rehabilitation centres to help to quit the alcohol abuse. The drugs prescribed to deal with withdrawal symptoms are available at 3MEDS-Online Pharmacy Store in Delhi.
· Lifestyle changes
Quitting of alcohol and reducing the obesity should be incorporated to achieve better results. Avoid re abuse of alcohol as it may bring the symptoms back. Follow low salt diet.
· Incorporation of vitamin supplements:
Alcohol abuse leads to nutritional deficiency. To restore back the health, one must include multivitamins i.e. vitamin B complex, and vitamin A. Buy prescription medicine online from 3MEDS, the trusted source.
· Diuretics like furosemide, torsemide are prescribed to get rid of oedema. Check in for Cheap Online Pharmacy in Delhi, India
· Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to treat any opportunistic infections and discomfort.
· Liver transplant is the last resort to save the life. When all other treatment modalities fail, liver transplant has to be done which is a complicated procedure with probable risks.
Outlook:
Life expectancy of the people with alcoholic liver disease depends on the general health and stage of the disease. Early diagnosis will prevent the mortality rate. Quitting alcohol is the best way to avoid the onset of alcoholic liver disease. A Healthy lifestyle practices will keep the disease at bay. Some diseases can be reversed on quitting of alcohol. Stay safe and spread awareness among your near and dear ones.