Alcoholic Liver Disease

Posted by: KUKREJA Posted on: 10/22/2009
Along with the CNS, the LIVER suffers the most from alcohol consumption. Liver can handle only a certain amount of alcohol in any given time. When we drink quickly, our liver cells have to work overtime to process the alcohol. When this is more than the liver can deal with, the excess is transported to the rest of our organs.

Liver needs water to do its job. As alcohol acts as diuretic (makes us pass urine), it dehydrates and forces the liver to divert water from elsewhere.

When liver is processing alcohol, it produces a substance called ACETALDEHYDE which has a toxic effect on the liver itself, as well as the brain and stomach lining.

Not feeling any side effects from drinking does not mean we are not risking liver damage. Chances are that we will not feel anything happening until this most resilient organ of our body (LIVER) has had enough. And, when that happens, what we have are the conditions, not at all easy to be reversed, like fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

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Posted by: stevenwinton Posted on: 2/23/2009
I think the very important part of treatment is to stop using alcohol completely. If cirrhosis develops then you will need to manage the complications of cirrhosis. You made need a liver transplant. Some vitamins especially B.complex and folic acid can help reverse malnutrition. Abstinence is the mainstay of treatment; it can prevent further damage from alcoholic liver disease and thus prolong life. Because compliance is problematic, a compassionate team approach is essential.

Steven

Alcoholism Information



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Posted by: Arnold Posted on: 10/25/2008
This is a very nice article. I think alcohol liver disease is rare among youngsters.
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Posted by: christinarosy Posted on: 6/9/2008
Alcohol is metabolized more slowly than it is absorbed. ************************** christinarosy Alcohol abuse affects millions. This site has a lot of useful information. Alcohol Abuse
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Posted by: tracy Posted on: 5/31/2008
my husband had an artery in his face that burst... the doctors said he has liver hepatitis, is that form of hepatitis contagious, should i be worried about myself and my child? Also, he is consuming alcohol in large amounts and isnt quitting, how long does a patient have before cirrhousis develops ? How long can someone live with this disease
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Posted by: tokyo7788 Posted on: 2/4/2008
I am the administrator of the BBS which provides discussion to patients with liver diseases (hepatitis c,fatty liver,liver cancer,liver cirrhosis,NASH liver). You can get much useful information about liver health and let others share your experiences here.
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