Alcohol & Fatty Liver

Alcohol abuse can have negative effects on numerous organs of the body, including the liver. Fatty liver occurs when deposits of fat accumulate in the liver over an extended period of abuse. While this condition can go away on its own if drinking ceases, it can cause major health problems if left untreated.

Cause

• The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol. When the liver cannot break down alcohol properly because of abuse, fat begins to build up in the liver cells.

Symptoms

• Fatty liver usually causes no symptoms.

Diagnosis

• A proper fatty liver diagnosis can only be given by a medical professional. She may complete a blood test to measure liver enzymes or perform an ultrasound to investigate the shape of the liver. A formal diagnosis may require a biopsy of liver cells

Progression of Liver Disease

• A prolonged period of fatty liver can lead to a condition called alcoholic hepatitis, which is the swelling of the liver due to damage. Alcoholic hepatitis can cause pain in the abdomen, nausea and fatigue. If left untreated, hepatitis can progress to cirrhosis, which is the permanent scarring of the liver due to constant abuse. While fatty liver and alcoholic hepatitis are reversible, cirrhosis is not.

Treatment

• If you think you have fatty liver, talk to your doctor. He will advise you to avoid alcohol, as the condition can correct itself after a period of abstinence. He will also encourage physical activity and a healthy diet.