Symptoms may not be present until the disease is relatively advanced. The disease usually affects those older than 30. The incidence is 3 out of 10,000 people. Symptoms vary with the severity of the disease and are usually worse after a recent period of heavy drinking. Liver function tests such as ALP are abnormal.
Liver biopsy shows typical findings for alcoholic liver disease.
Vitamins , especially B1 and folic acid , are associated with improvement. An alcohol rehabilitation program or counseling may be necessary to break the alcohol addiction. Continued excessive drinking is associated with a shorter life expectancy. The probable outcome is poor if drinking continues. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of alcoholic liver disease develop.