The topic Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD).

Quick Summary:

• Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) is a condition that causes damage to the liver, due to excessive consumption of alcohol. There are 3 types of Alcoholic Liver Disease, namely:
  • Alcoholic Hepatitis
  • Fatty Accumulation in Liver
  • Cirrhosis of Liver
• Alcoholic Hepatitis is the inflammation of liver cells that can occur, due to excessive alcohol intake. A persistent inflammation can lead to damage of the liver, ranging from a condition termed as fatty liver (deposition of fat in liver cells, due to damage of the oxidation process of fat), to cirrhosis (fibrosis of the liver cells).
• Fatty liver disease occurs due to accumulation of fat, due to alcohol intake. This is usually the first step in the progress towards ALD. Moreover, in many cases, especially during early ALD, fatty liver disease does not cause any signs and symptoms.
• The condition is reversible in many, if the individual stops consuming alcohol. Advanced fatty liver disease can cause symptoms, such as weakness and slow weight loss.
• Temporary fat deposition in the liver can occur with a single heavy drinking episode, which then reverses after the individual ceases to drink. More advanced and permanent damage is typically seen, after 10 or more years of heavy drinking.
• The damage is thought to be caused by acetaldehyde that is produced during alcohol metabolism. Acetaldehyde alters the surface proteins of liver cells, which affects the fluidity of the cell lining. This type of alteration triggers the immune system that destroys liver cells causing failure of liver cells; a condition termed as alcohol-induced chronic liver failure.
• The diagnosis of ALD is based on history, liver function blood test, and a liver biopsy. The most basic step towards treating the condition is complete stoppage of alcohol consumption.
• The prognosis depends on the extent of liver damage from alcohol intake; greater the damage to liver cells, worse is the prognosis.

Please find comprehensive information on Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) regarding definition, distribution, risk factors, causes, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, prognosis, and additional useful information HERE.