In this guide
7 min readLiver Care
Alcohol can cause fatty liver, hepatitis-like inflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis. Early detection and stopping alcohol can reduce progression risk in many patients.
Key Takeaways
- Fatigue or poor appetite
- Right upper abdominal heaviness
- Jaundice
- Abdominal swelling
- Vomiting blood or black stool
Symptoms
Early disease may be silent. Advanced disease can cause serious symptoms.
- Fatigue or poor appetite
- Right upper abdominal heaviness
- Jaundice
- Abdominal swelling
- Vomiting blood or black stool
- Confusion or drowsiness
Tests used
Evaluation may include liver function tests, CBC, INR, ultrasound, FibroScan, viral markers and endoscopy for varices when cirrhosis is suspected.
Treatment approach
Alcohol abstinence is central. Nutrition, vitamin correction, medicines, cirrhosis monitoring and complication prevention may be needed.
When urgent care is needed
Jaundice with fever, vomiting blood, black stool, confusion, severe weakness or increasing abdominal swelling need urgent attention.