Final answer:
Alcoholic liver disease includes conditions such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis, resulting from excessive alcohol intake that leads to liver inflammation, fat accumulation, and scar tissue formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) encompasses several conditions that affect the liver due to excessive consumption of alcohol over time. These conditions include:
- Fatty liver disease: Characterized by abnormal accumulation of fats in the liver, resulting in a lipid content that may rise to about 25% to 30%, causing jaundice and disruption of liver functions.
- Alcoholic hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver triggered by drinking too much alcohol, potentially leading to liver failure if severe.
- Cirrhosis: The final stage of ALD, where normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue (fibrosis) due to chronic injury, resulting in diminished functionality and potential liver failure.
These progressive conditions show how chronic alcohol abuse can severely affect liver health and contribute to a range of complications, including jaundice and potential kidney dysfunction, as the liver works together with the kidneys to remove wastes from the bloodstream. Elevated liver enzymes, such as ALT and GGT, can signal liver distress and are often seen in patients with ALD.