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Alcoholic Liver Disease

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The liver is one of the largest and most complex organs in the body. The liver is remarkably resilient in responding to disease and infection, and, under certain circumstances, can even generate whole new sections of itself to replace those that are diseased.

Because the liver is the chief organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol, it is especially vulnerable to alcohol-related injury. Even as few as three drinks at one time may have toxic effects on the liver when combined with certain over-the-counter medications, such as those containing acetaminophen.

The liver performs many of the vital functions necessary for maintaining good health.

• The liver stores vital energy and nutrients
• The liver manufactures proteins and enzymes necessary for good health
• The liver protects the body from disease
• The liver breaks down (or metabolizes) and helps remove harmful toxins, like alcohol, from the body

Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD), is a serious and potentially fatal consequence of drinking alcohol.

Alcohol is a toxin that is especially harmful to the liver, and alcoholic liver disease, particularly * cirrhosis, is one of the leading causes of alcohol-related death. Not everyone who drinks heavily will develop ALD. Other factors besides alcohol also influence development of the disease, including demographic, biological, and environmental factors. Nevertheless, stopping drinking can help to alleviate or even reverse ALD, especially in the early stages of disease.

Another disorder, hepatitis C, often is found in patients with ALD.

Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order

* Cirrhosis
Pronounced - suh-ROH-sis
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver. Scar tissue forms because of injury or long term disease. More about Cirrhosis

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References:
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
January 2005
pubs.niaaa.nih.gov

The information discussed above is a general overview and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.