Alcoholic fatty liver disease

Alcoholic fatty liver disease (pronunciation: al-ko-hol-ik fat-ee liv-er di-zeez) is a medical condition that results from the excessive consumption of alcohol. It is the earliest stage of alcohol-related liver disease and is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver cells, also known as steatosis.

Etymology

The term "Alcoholic fatty liver disease" is derived from the words "alcoholic", referring to the substance causing the condition, "fatty", indicating the presence of fat, "liver", the organ affected, and "disease", denoting a particular abnormal, pathological condition that affects part or all of an organism.

Symptoms

Alcoholic fatty liver disease is often asymptomatic in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice.

Causes

The primary cause of alcoholic fatty liver disease is chronic and heavy consumption of alcohol. The liver breaks down most of the alcohol a person consumes. However, the process of breaking down alcohol produces harmful substances, which can lead to inflammation and weaken the body's natural defenses. As a result, the liver cannot break down fats as efficiently, leading to their accumulation and the development of this disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of alcoholic fatty liver disease typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include blood tests, imaging studies such as an ultrasound, or a liver biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment for alcoholic fatty liver disease primarily involves abstaining from alcohol. This can help reverse the buildup of fat in the liver. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Related Terms

• Alcohol-related liver disease
• Steatosis
• Liver biopsy
• Liver transplant
• Ultrasound

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Wikipedia's article - Alcoholic fatty liver disease

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