Alcoholic Liver Disease: From Fatty Liver to Cirrhosis
The liver bears the primary responsibility for breaking down and metabolizing alcohol. Chronic heavy drinking can severely exceed the liver's processing capacity, leading to a series of progressive liver diseases. In China, alcoholic liver disease is the second leading cause of liver disease after viral hepatitis.
Stage One
Alcoholic Fatty Liver
Fat accumulates in liver cells. Reversible—can recover within weeks after stopping alcohol. About 90% of long-term drinkers will develop fatty liver.
Stage Two
Alcoholic Hepatitis
Liver inflammation. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and jaundice. Can be life-threatening in severe cases. Partially reversible—requires immediate alcohol cessation and treatment.
Stage Three
Liver Fibrosis
Repeated inflammation leads to scar tissue formation. Liver function begins to decline. Partially reversible—timely alcohol cessation may still allow recovery.
Stage Four
Cirrhosis
Extensive scar tissue replaces normal liver tissue. Irreversible—may lead to liver failure, portal hypertension, ascites, and even require liver transplantation.
Warning Signs
Early Signs
- Fatigue and weakness
- Decreased appetite
- Discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT) detected during physical exams
Severe Signs
- Yellowing of skin and whites of eyes (jaundice)
- Abdominal swelling (ascites)
- Spider angiomas (red vascular networks on skin)
- Easy bleeding and bruising
- Confusion (hepatic encephalopathy)
Treatment Methods
The most crucial treatment is alcohol cessation. Stopping alcohol at any stage can prevent further damage. At Northern Hospital, our internal medicine specialists conduct comprehensive liver function evaluations for every admitted patient and continuously monitor liver recovery during detoxification treatment.
- Safe medical detoxification (special medication protocols required for those with impaired liver function)
- Nutritional support (supplementing vitamin B1, folic acid, etc.)
- Liver-protective medications
- Regular liver function monitoring and imaging tests
- Severe cirrhosis may require referral for liver transplantation evaluation
After Abnormal Liver Function: How to Proceed with Alcohol Cessation Evaluation
When elevated liver enzymes or imaging suggests fatty liver/hepatitis, in addition to follow-up with gastroenterology, alcohol consumption, withdrawal risks, and the need for supervised alcohol cessation should be assessed. You can first read the Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Topic, then compare costs and hospitalization arrangements.
- Zhengzhou Alcohol Cessation Cost Explanation
- How to Be Admitted
- Guide to Coming to Zhengzhou for Alcohol Cessation from Across Henan
- Contact Us / Phone 0371-65338120
This page provides health education information and cannot replace in-person consultation. For emergencies, please call local emergency services or go to the nearest medical facility.