Alcoholic liver disease

Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) is a serious condition caused by long-term, excessive alcohol consumption that damages liver cells and affects normal liver function. The liver plays a vital role in filtering toxins, processing nutrients, and maintaining overall health. Continuous alcohol intake can lead to fat accumulation, inflammation, and irreversible scarring (cirrhosis).

At King’s College Hospital Dubai, Dr. Kaiser Raja, a leading Consultant in Liver Diseases, provides comprehensive evaluation and management of Alcoholic Liver Disease using evidence-based treatment strategies tailored to each patient’s condition.

Stages of Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic Liver Disease usually progresses through three main stages:

1. Fatty Liver (Steatosis)
   • The earliest stage, where fat builds up in the liver.
   • Often symptomless and completely reversible if alcohol consumption stops.
2. Alcoholic Hepatitis
   • Inflammation and damage to liver cells, causing fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and jaundice.
   • Can be life-threatening in severe cases but may improve with early treatment and alcohol abstinence.
3. Cirrhosis
   • The final, irreversible stage involving extensive scarring that impairs liver function.
   • Leads to complications such as fluid retention, confusion, easy bleeding, and liver failure.

SymptomsCommon signs and symptoms of Alcoholic Liver Disease include:

Fatigue and weakness

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen (ascites)
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Mental confusion (hepatic encephalopathy)

Diagnosis

Dr. Kaiser Raja performs a thorough clinical assessment and may recommend:

• Blood tests to evaluate liver function
• Ultrasound or FibroScan to detect fat, inflammation, or scarring
• CT or MRI for detailed imaging
• Liver biopsy in select cases to confirm the stage of disease

Treatment at King’s College Hospital Dubai

The cornerstone of managing Alcoholic Liver Disease is complete abstinence from alcohol. Under the care of Dr. Kaiser Raja, patients receive a multidisciplinary treatment plan that may include:

• Medical management to reduce liver inflammation and prevent complications
• Nutritional therapy to correct vitamin and protein deficiencies
• Psychological and addiction support programs to help maintain sobriety
• Monitoring and management of cirrhosis-related complications
• Liver transplant evaluation in advanced stages when required

Lifestyle and Recovery

Recovery from Alcoholic Liver Disease requires ongoing commitment and medical supervision.
Dr. Kaiser Raja and his team emphasize:

• Lifelong alcohol abstinence
• Balanced diet with adequate protein and vitamins
• Regular exercise and hydration
• Periodic follow-ups to monitor liver health and adjust treatment as needed

Why Choose Dr. Kaiser Raja

• Over two decades of specialized experience in Hepatology and Liver Transplantation
• Expertise in managing complex liver diseases, including alcoholic, autoimmune, and viral hepatitis
• Access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities at King’s College Hospital Dubai
• A compassionate, patient-centered approach to care and recovery