Which liver diseases are caused by alcohol consumption?

Dec 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

In general, liver diseases such as alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic liver fibrosis, alcoholic cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma may be caused by alcohol consumption. It is advisable to control alcohol intake and avoid long-term heavy drinking. Individuals who already have liver disease or impaired liver function should abstain from alcohol completely. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding excessive intake of fats and sugars is important.

Generally, liver diseases such as alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic liver fibrosis, alcoholic cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma may be caused by alcohol consumption. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to fat deposition in the liver, resulting in fatty liver disease. This occurs because alcohol metabolism in the liver produces large amounts of fatty acids, which are difficult for the liver to transport out in a timely manner, leading to their accumulation in the liver.

2. Alcoholic Hepatitis

Alcohol intake directly damages liver cells, triggering an inflammatory response. Alcoholic hepatitis is an important stage of alcoholic liver disease and is characterized by pathological changes such as liver cell necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.

3. Alcoholic Liver Fibrosis

Prolonged inflammation and liver cell injury can lead to the proliferation of liver fibrous tissue, resulting in liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is a necessary transitional stage in the progression of alcoholic liver disease toward cirrhosis.

4. Alcoholic Cirrhosis

As liver fibrosis progresses, normal liver tissue is replaced by extensive fibrous tissue, leading to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis represents a severe stage of alcoholic liver disease and is characterized by significant structural and functional damage to the liver.

5. Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can also cause DNA damage in liver cells, increasing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a serious form of liver malignancy that poses a threat to life.

In daily life, alcohol intake should be controlled to avoid long-term heavy drinking. Individuals who already have liver disease or impaired liver function should abstain from alcohol completely. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding excessive fat and sugar intake, engaging in regular physical activity, and enhancing immune function are all beneficial in preventing the occurrence of liver disease.

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Does long-term use of ademetionine enteric-coated tablets (adenosine disodium succinate) affect menstruation?

If the medication is taken regularly at the recommended dose under medical supervision for indications such as liver disease, and no adverse effects such as menstrual cycle disturbances or abnormal menstrual flow occur after use, it generally does not affect menstruation. The drug primarily acts on hepatic metabolism and has no clearly defined effects on the reproductive endocrine system; when used appropriately, it has minimal interference with menstrual regulatory mechanisms.