Alcohol-related liver disease

Patients should avoid drinking alcohol or limit the amount of alcohol use, because alcohol consumption facilitates ARLD progression. They should discuss with their healthcare provider various methods to stop drinking alcohol. Patients should be informed about local addiction control services.[11]Thursz M, Lingford-Hughes A. Advances in the understanding and management of alcohol-related liver disease. BMJ. 2023 Nov 20;383:e077090. https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj-2023-077090.long http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37984967?tool=bestpractice.com ​

A periodic physical check-up with laboratory tests is essential to evaluate the progression of liver disease. Vaccines, such as for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, and pneumonia, can prevent infections and reduce comorbidities. Patients should keep a written list of their medicines, their amounts, and when and why to take that medication. The list of medicines or the pill bottles should be brought to follow-up or hospital visits. All medications should be taken regularly as directed by the physician. Patients with ARLD can safely use paracetamol at a dosage of up to 2 g/day, if they are eating regularly.

Patients should take more protein and calories, which may improve their illness. Having a snack between breakfast and lunch and at bedtime may increase daily calorie intake. The amount of salt intake should be limited to prevent fluid retention in the abdomen.

Patients should seek help immediately if they have a fever or experience abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fast heart rate or breathing, a dizzy feeling, black stool or blood in stool, or blood or coffee-ground material in the vomit.