These symptoms, which were ignored in the early stages (as is common), revealed significant liver damage. Medical testing and imaging showed severe liver disease, revealing how slowly alcohol-related liver damage might proceed. Put together, these tests showed that this patient’s liver had reached decompensation due to liver cirrhosis, an important point at which the liver can no longer adequately perform all its basic metabolic and detoxifying processes. Alcohol and liver diseaseAlcohol-related liver disease goes through various phases, the first of which is steatosis (fat buildup). Early detection of alcohol-related liver disease and quitting alcohol intake can prevent cirrhosis and the eventual need for surgery and transplants.

Source: The Hindu January 29, 2026 16:04 UTC