Alcoholic liver disease

Alcohol is harmful for the liver, and the most common reason responsible for end stage liver disease.

Safe limit for alcohol

Alcohol does not have a specific safe limit. However, studies reveal that an alcohol intake of 40-80gm in men, and 20-40gm in women can cause severe liver diseases if taken for >10 years.

Spectrum of disease

• Dyslipidemia
• Fatty liver
• Cirrhosis
• Steatohepatitis

Symptoms

• Heaviness in upper abdomen
• Jaundice
• GI bleeding
• Abdomen distension
• Pedal edema
• Behavioural alterations

Treatment

• Stop alcohol intake
• Intake of high-calorie and protein-rich foods
• Multivitamins
• Effective results seen in specific populations with silymarin, UDCA, steroids and pentoxifylline