Causes of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
A healthy liver breaks down alcohol so it can be eliminated from the body. This process generates harmful substances that can damage liver cells and cause liver inflammation. The more alcohol that you drink, the greater the potential for liver damage. The risk of developing alcohol-associated liver disease is higher for heavy drinkers who are women and for people who have obesity and other liver diseases.
Because alcohol-associated liver disease typically occurs without symptoms, you can have the disease without knowing it, especially in the early stages. If you abstain from drinking, liver damage may be reversed. However, if the condition progresses, liver inflammation and cirrhosis (severe liver scarring) can occur. The final stage of alcoholic steatohepatitis is severe and irreversible liver cirrhosis.
MetALD
MetALD is the development of fat in the liver as a result of alcohol use and MASLD. Patients typically drink alcohol and have metabolic risk factors. MetALD can result in fat in the liver inflammation, scarring and cirrhosis.
Diagnosing Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
It is important to talk to your doctor honestly about your alcohol consumption. This information can help them determine if you are at risk for or already have alcohol-associated liver disease. Your doctor will also ask about your medical history and perform a thorough physical exam to check for an enlarged liver and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of your eyes).
Treating Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
The most important thing you can do to halt the progression of alcohol-associated liver disease is to avoid alcohol altogether. Even a little alcohol can further damage your liver. As a Duke patient, you have access to an array of specialists, including mental health professionals, to help you achieve this goal. You may also benefit from one or more of the following treatments.
Nutritional Counseling
We work closely with Duke’s dietitians and weight loss specialists, who may recommend nutritional and lifestyle changes to help you manage your condition.
A liver transplant may be the best option if you have advanced cirrhosis. Your treatment team will carefully evaluate your condition to determine if this is the right option for you. We have one of the best and highest volume liver transplant programs in the country and maintain outstanding survival rates.
