Alcohol-related liver disease
Also called: Alcoholic hepatitis, ARLD
Liver damage from drinking too much alcohol over time, progressing from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Stopping drinking can reverse early stages.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Long-term excessive alcohol intake
Risk factors
- Drinking above recommended limits for years
- Binge drinking
- Obesity
- Female sex (greater susceptibility)
- Genetic factors (PNPLA3)
Symptoms
- Often none at first
- Alcoholic hepatitis: jaundice, fever, tender enlarged liver
- Signs of cirrhosis later
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Blood tests (GGT, AST/ALT ratio, bilirubin)
- Ultrasound and elastography
- Alcohol use assessment (AUDIT)
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Complete abstinence
- Medicines to support abstinence (acamprosate, naltrexone, baclofen)
- Thiamine and nutrition support
- Steroids (prednisolone) for severe alcoholic hepatitis
Operations and procedures
- Liver transplantation in selected patients
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Stop drinking with medical support — sudden withdrawal can be dangerous
- Join support groups
Possible complications
- Cirrhosis
- Liver failure
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Brain damage (Wernicke–Korsakoff)
Prevention
- Keeping within low-risk drinking guidance, alcohol-free days
Outlook
Fatty liver reverses within weeks of abstinence; outlook in cirrhosis depends on stopping drinking.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you drink heavily; seek urgent care for jaundice or confusion.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
Educational overview, not medical advice. Treatment varies by person and location. Consult a qualified health professional for diagnosis or care. Read our content and model notes and privacy information.