K70: Alcoholic liver disease
Alcoholic liver disease represents a group of liver conditions that occur due to prolonged and heavy alcohol consumption. This range of disorders includes simple fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Alcoholic liver disease can manifest quietly, without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. As the condition progresses, however, symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal discomfort, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and dark urine may appear. Over time, an inflamed liver (alcoholic hepatitis) may scar and harden, evolving into cirrhosis. This scarring can significantly hinder the liver's ability to perform its vital functions, including filtering toxins from the blood, aiding in digestion, and producing proteins important for blood clotting. The disease progression is influenced by the amount of alcohol consumed and the duration of the consumption, along with individual factors such as genetics and overall health.
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