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Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Madhura Pandit
As the name suggests, alcoholic fatty liver is a liver disorder caused due to excess alcohol consumption. This story provides detailed information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for this disorder.
Fatty liver disease can be reversed. Stopping alcohol consumption altogether can help in reversing the condition.
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fats get accumulated in the liver due to several reasons. It is also considered as one of the most common conditions experienced by people, usually in the developed nations.
Fatty liver can be of two types: alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Sometimes, the two terms are used interchangeably, which is incorrect. These two are diverse terms for different conditions caused due to different causes.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver is caused due to disorders in the process of metabolism. Whereas, alcoholic liver disorder is caused due to excess consumption of alcohol.

Causes and Symptoms

Excess consumption of alcohol has a negative effect on the body. The liver is most affected on consuming alcohol for a longer period or even by heavy drinking for a short period. Consumption of alcohol alters several functions of the liver resulting in alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Excess intake of alcohol increases the synthesis of free fatty acid, which leads to deposition of fats in the liver. As the liver is damaged, it is unable to break down fats. On the other hand, alcohol also changes or disturbs mitochondrial and microsomal function of the liver.
There are no early symptoms. The symptoms usually appear when the liver is damaged. Symptoms of alcoholic fatty liver disease include nausea, swelling in abdomen, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, loss of appetite, confusion, etc. If alcohol-induced fatty liver persists for a longer period, it can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Hepatitis is also one of the complications that develops if the disease is left undetected and untreated. Therefore, it is essential to get the condition diagnosed and treated immediately. As this is an early effect of alcohol abuse, it can be treated completely.

Treatment

One of the most important things to note is that this condition is reversible and can be effectively treated if detected early. The ultrasound examination is used to diagnose this condition. Complete abstinence from alcohol is the only efficient method of treating this condition.
Secondly, one should either stop drinking alcohol completely or reduce its intake in future in order to prevent the recurrence of the disease. Your doctor will also prescribe a diet plan along with the treatment options.
Sometimes, a person may suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms on stopping alcohol consumption altogether. However, proper therapy and guidance can help in overcoming the withdrawal effects. Fatty liver can be reversed completely in around 24 weeks. However, one should note that total recovery in this time is possible only if one stops drinking alcohol completely and follows the diet strictly.
One should be aware of the harmful consequences of having excess alcohol and reduce its consumption or abstain from it, in order to prevent diseases caused due to it.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.