Alcohol-related liver disease
Overview
Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) refers to liver damage caused by excess alcohol intake. There are several stages of severity and a range of associated symptoms.
Symptoms
ARLD does not usually cause any symptoms until the liver has been severely damaged. When this happens, symptoms can include: feeling sickweight lossloss of appetiteyellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice)swelling in the ankles and tummyconfusion or drowsinessvomiting blood or passing blood in your stools This means ARLD is frequently diagnosed during tests for other conditions, or at a stage of advanced liver damage. If you regularly drink alcohol to excess, tell your GP so they can check if your liver is damaged.
Causes
Excessive alcohol drinking over years. Binge drinking. Fatty liver -> Hepatitis -> Cirrhosis.
Treatment
Stop drinking alcohol immediately (essential). Nutrition support. Liver transplant (severe/abstinent).
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent ARLD is to stop drinking alcohol or stick to the recommended limits: men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a weekspread your drinking over 3 days or more if you drink as much as 14 units a weekif you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each week A unit of alcohol is equal to about half a pint of normal-strength lager or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits. Even if you have been a heavy drinker for many years, reducing or stopping your alcohol intake will have important short-term and long-term benefits for your liver and overall health.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: drink >14 units/week; symptoms of liver damage. Urgent: vomiting blood/black tarry poo.