Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD): Risk Factors, Symptoms & Treatments

Alcohol- related Liver Disease: Symptoms, causes & Risk Factors

The liver is a complex and leading body organ with over 500 functions. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) reflects liver damage due to excessive alcohol consumption. Apart from alcohol consumption, chronic hepatitis infection and malnutrition are the risk factors for this disease.

Continue reading to learn specific factors that contribute to the risk of alcoholic liver disease and its complications, symptoms and management strategies.

Signs & Symptoms of Alcoholic Liver Disease

Individuals with this disease may experience symptoms, including:

• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Appetite loss
• Vomiting and nausea
• Unintentional weight loss and muscle wasting, or rapid weight gain due to fluid retention in the abdomen (ascites)
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Mood swings
• Sleep-wake cycle reversal and confusion, which are signs of hepatic encephalopathy

What Causes Alcohol-related Liver Disease?

Before understanding the effect of alcohol on the liver, it is crucial to understand the role of the liver in overall health. The liver is located at the right side of your abdomen, below your ribs. The liver performs many essential functions, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and secreted into the intestines to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats.

The liver also filters and eliminates toxic substances such as alcohol from the blood. When a person drinks alcohol, the alcohol passes into stomach and intestines where it is absorbed into the blood. Followed by the alcohol-containing bloodstream is transported to the liver.

Then, Liver cells use enzymes to break down the alcohol. Alcohol metabolism generates toxic by‑products such as acetaldehyde and reactive oxygen species, which directly injure liver cells and promote inflammation and fibrosis. It can also lead to the abnormal levels of fats production, which are stored in the liver. Finally, alcohol ingestion can also cause liver inflammation and fibrosis (the formation of scar tissue).

Recognise Risk Factors for Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease contains a spectrum of problems, such as progressive alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver and cirrhosis. Here are some factors that increase the risk of this disease, including:

1. Overconsumption of Alcohol: Drinking excessive alcohol for a long period is the key risk for developing alcoholic liver disease. Prolonged alcohol abuse leads to fatty liver, causing scar tissue and inflammation that disrupts liver functions. This progressive condition damages the liver and introduces serious health issues.    
2. Viral Hepatitis:  Chronic hepatitis B infection can increase the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly when combined with heavy alcohol consumption. The combination of hepatitis B or liver infections and heavy drinking can enhance oxidative stress, which comprises the immune response to fight against infection. This combination increases the replication of hepatitis infection, faster liver disease growth and the development of cirrhosis.
3. Obesity: People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop alcoholic liver disease. Obesity is associated with metabolic dysfunction and fatty liver disease and can act synergistically with alcohol to increase the severity and progression of alcoholic liver disease. Moreover, it increases cytokines and hormone production, which leads to liver inflammation and damage.  

Complications of Alcoholic Liver Disease

Untreated alcoholic liver disease can develop various serious complications, which are:

• Portal hypertension
• Malnutrition
• Liver Cancer
• Jaundice
• Bone disease
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Ascites
• Hepatopulmonary syndrome

Treatments and Preventive Measures for Managing Alcoholic Liver Disease  

The best option for treating alcoholic liver disease is quitting alcohol consumption. Further treatment strategies include:

• Enrolment in cognitive therapy, such as detoxification programs, to eliminate the relapse into drinking alcohol. People who drink excessive alcohol can stay in rehabilitation for close monitoring.
• Medications such as Baclofen, Naltrexone, Topiramate, Disulfiram and Acamprosate can help to prevent relapse of heavy drinking.  
• In case of liver failure due to ALD, liver transplantation is the last option for survival.
• Proper nutritional support means taking multivitamins regularly, and healthy foods can boost the immune system to fight against chronic diseases and improve health.

Alcoholic liver disease is a result of overconsuming alcohol that damages the liver. People who have hepatitis B, liver infection, obesity, and who regularly drink too much alcohol are at risk of developing ALD.

Common symptoms of alcoholic liver disease include abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue, nausea, ascites, confusion, and muscle wasting.

Reader Information: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Alcoholic liver disease and its complications vary significantly between individuals and require professional medical evaluation. If you experience symptoms suggestive of liver disease or have concerns related to alcohol use or liver health, seek prompt medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

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