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Effects of Alcohol on Liver

Dr. Kshitij Kothari, a gastroenterologist at Sahyadri Hospital Hadapsar, explains various liver conditions commonly seen in patients who consume alcohol. He discusses the effects of alcohol on liver health, ranging from fatty liver disease to advanced liver cancer, and offers insights into diagnosis and potential treatments.

The liver undergoes several stages of damage due to alcohol consumption. These include:

1. Fatty Liver Disease
   Fatty liver disease is the initial stage where the liver accumulates fat and takes on a whitish appearance. Patients often show elevated levels of SGOT and SGPT enzymes. This stage can be reversed through lifestyle modifications and complete cessation of alcohol.
2. Alcoholic Hepatitis
   If fatty liver disease progresses without intervention, it can develop into alcoholic hepatitis. In this stage, the liver becomes hard, bilirubin levels increase, and prothrombin time (PT or INR) may also rise, indicating clotting issues. Patients are more susceptible to infections. Approximately 50–60% of alcoholic hepatitis cases are reversible if patients stop drinking and follow dietary modifications and treatment.
3. Cirrhosis of the Liver
   If untreated, alcoholic hepatitis can advance to cirrhosis, where the liver becomes severely hardened, and the damage is largely irreversible. Cirrhosis patients may experience fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), increased bilirubin levels, and elevated ammonia levels, leading to hepatic encephalopathy, which can cause coma in severe cases. Patients may also experience infections, kidney damage, and enlarged veins in the oesophagus, which may rupture and cause bleeding.
4. Liver Cancer
   Patients with a history of heavy alcohol consumption may develop liver cancer. Treatment options vary based on the cancer stage. Early-stage liver cancer may be treated with liver transplants or procedures like TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization). In advanced stages, chemotherapy is administered.

Patients who consume alcohol often seek an assessment of their liver health. Dr. Kothari recommends the following tests for an accurate diagnosis:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Liver Function Test (LFT)
• Abdominal Ultrasound
• Prothrombin Time (PT/INR)
• FibroScan

Based on these results, a gastroenterologist can provide further treatment recommendations.

Alcohol-related liver diseases range from reversible conditions like fatty liver to severe cases like liver cancer. Regular check-ups and tests are essential for patients who consume alcohol to assess liver health and seek early intervention if necessary. For any liver-related concerns, patients can contact Sahyadri Hospital for guidance and treatment.