Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Alcoholic fatty liver disease means that there is extra fat in the liver. This condition affects those who are heavy alcohol users. Too much alcohol leads to a buildup of fat inside liver cells which makes it harder for the liver to function normally.
Overview and Symptoms
Alcoholic fatty liver disease is the earliest stage of alcohol-related liver disease. The next stages are alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Typically there are no symptoms and it is considered a “silent disease.” If there are symptoms, tiredness or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen are signs to watch out for.
Treatment at BIDMC
To make a diagnosis, the physician will review medical history, do a physical exam and blood and liver function tests. Abnormal results in the liver function test indicate alcoholic fatty liver disease.
The key to treating alcoholic fatty liver disease is to stop drinking alcohol. Addiction specialists, alcohol recovery programs and medications can help.
Liver Center
BIDMC's Liver Center brings together an exceptional team of multidisciplinary providers to offer personalized care and advanced treatment options to patients with a variety of liver conditions.
Addiction Psychiatry
The Department of Psychiatry has world-class treatments to help manage addiction. A team of addiction psychiatrists, nurses and social workers offer personalized care to every patient.