Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) does not develop overnight, it progresses in stages. Each stage has a different effect on the liver and the more it progresses the more difficult it becomes to reverse the damage. But the right care and lifestyle changes can help to prevent it from getting worse or completely cure it.
Let’s see the stages, how treatment works, and what you can do to protect your liver.
The Three Stages of Alcoholic Liver Disease
ALD has three main stages:
1. Alcoholic Fatty Liver (Steatosis)
This is the earliest stage. Drinking too much alcohol causes fat to build up inside liver cells. You may not feel any symptoms but may notice:
- Tiredness
- A bit of discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Occasional nausea
This stage is reversible. If you stop drinking, the liver can usually heal itself completely.
2. Alcoholic Hepatitis
Alcoholic hepatitis is one of the most serious and commonly diagnosed stages of alcoholic liver disease. At this stage, the liver becomes inflamed, and the damage can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or nausea
- Tender, painful liver
Severe alcoholic hepatitis can be life-threatening. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to get an alcoholic hepatitis consultation from a liver specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow down or even prevent progression to cirrhosis.
3. Cirrhosis
This is the most advanced stage. Cirrhosis happens when the liver becomes scarred and hardened. The liver’s ability to function is damaged permanently in this stage. And the damage is usually irreversible. Common signs include:
- Swollen abdomen (ascites)
- Confusion or drowsiness (due to toxin buildup)
- Internal bleeding (often in the stomach or oesophagus)
- Severe fatigue
Getting a timely cirrhosis diagnosis and care in Milton Keynes can help manage complications and improve your quality of life, even at this late stage.
How Is Alcoholic Liver Disease Treated?
There is no single medicine that can cure ALD or alcoholic hepatitis. But treatment is still possible and effective with the right approach:
Complete Alcohol Cessation
The most important step is completely stopping alcohol consumption. If ALD or alcoholic hepatitis is present, then even a small amount of alcohol can continue to damage the liver. If quitting feels difficult, you can take help of:
- Counselling and support groups
- Detox programmes
- Medicines to reduce cravings
Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre provides access to professionals who can support this journey in a private, non-judgmental setting.
Medical Support
Depending on your stage of ALD, you might be recommended with:
- Nutritional supplements (especially if there’s malnutrition)
- Anti-inflammatory medicines (for alcoholic hepatitis)
- Diuretics (to manage fluid buildup in cirrhosis)
- Liver transplant in severe cases
Having access to a private liver scan clinic in the UK allows for quicker diagnosis and follow-up care, so nothing gets missed.
Monitoring and Ongoing Care
Regular check-ups and liver scans (like FibroScan) can tell if your liver is recovering or if the scarring is worsening. You may also be recommended for:
- Blood tests to check enzymes and clotting
- Imaging scans to check for liver cancer
- Screening for related conditions like varices or ascites
A dedicated alcohol-related liver specialist in Milton Keynes can help manage the condition and make your treatment plan based on your needs.
What Can You Do to Lower Your Risk?
You could be in the early stages or simply want to prevent ALD—especially alcoholic hepatitis—here’s what can help:
- Stop drinking alcohol or cut back drastically
- Eat a liver-friendly diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
- Maintain a healthy weight to avoid added strain
- Avoid unnecessary medications that may affect the liver
- Stay vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if you’re at risk
- Go for regular check-ups particularly if you have been drinking regularly for years
If you are not sure about your liver health, a private liver scan clinic in the UK can offer accurate assessments.
When Should You Seek Help?
Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. If you’ve been drinking heavily for years or have any symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis, it’s time to get checked.
You can book a cirrhosis diagnosis and care appointment in Milton Keynes or speak to an alcohol-related liver specialist who understands how to guide you, without judgment.
Conclusion
Alcoholic liver disease is serious, but many people recover fully if it’s caught in time and treated carefully.
Whether you need an alcoholic hepatitis consultation or just a scan to check your liver’s condition, help is available.
At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre, our focus is on diagnosing and helping you take control of your health, habits, and future.
To book a private liver consultation or second opinion, get in touch with us
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