Patient's question:
I really hate drinking beer. Recently, I've been feeling unwell, with recurring symptoms of dizziness and nausea. My skin is quite yellow, and my stomach is also a bit uncomfortable. I always feel sluggish and lack energy. Am I developing alcoholic liver disease? What are the specific symptoms of alcoholic liver disease?Doctor's answer:
Alcoholic liver disease is a liver condition caused by long-term heavy alcohol consumption. It is known that after ethanol enters liver cells, it is metabolized into acetaldehyde through three pathways: the liver alcohol dehydrogenase pathway, the catalase pathway, and the liver microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system. Acetaldehyde has a significant toxic effect on liver cells, disrupting their metabolism and leading to cell degeneration, inflammation, and fibrosis. In severe cases, it can progress to cirrhosis. For severe alcoholic liver disease patients, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible and follow the doctor's advice for early treatment. Avoid changing medications arbitrarily, as this may have the opposite effect on the treatment outcome.