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nausea
weight loss
loss of appetite
jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
The liver
With the exception of the brain, the liver is the most complex organ in the body. It has more than 500 functions, most of which are essential for living.
The functions of the liver include:
Alcoholic hepatitis
Alcoholic hepatitis is the second more serious stage of alcoholic liver disease.
Prolonged alcohol misuse over many years can cause the tissues of the liver to become inflamed. This is known as alcoholic hepatitis. Less commonly,
alcoholic hepatitis can occur if you drink a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time (binge drinking).
Alcoholic hepatitis is usually reversible, though you may need to stop drinking alcohol for several months or years.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is the final stage of alcoholic liver disease. Cirrhosis occurs when prolonged inflammation of the liver has caused scarring of the liver and
subsequent loss of function. Loss of liver function can result in death.
The damage caused by cirrhosis is not reversible. In mild to moderate cases, stopping drinking alcohol immediately should prevent further damage and
lead to the gradual recovery of liver function. In more severe cases, a liver transplant may be required.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver_disease_(alcoholic)/Pages/Introduction.aspx
28/06/2011
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Outlook
The outlook for alcoholic liver disease largely depends on whether you are willing to stop drinking alcohol, preferably for the rest of your life.
In the early stage of alcoholic liver disease (fatty liver and hepatitis), people who stop drinking have a very good outlook as their liver has the opportunity
to repair itself.
Even in cases of cirrhosis, the outlook can be improved dramatically by stopping drinking, not least because you will only be considered for a liver
transplant if you do not drink alcohol for at least three months.
Three out of four people with cirrhosis who have a liver transplant will live for at least five years after receiving the transplant, and many will live much
longer.
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Last reviewed: 03/12/2009
Next review due: 03/12/2011
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver_disease_(alcoholic)/Pages/Introduction.aspx
28/06/2011