Alcohol-related liver disease is the leading cause of death from excessive drinking — and while it’s curable in the earliest stages, many people don’t realize they have it until it’s too late to reverse.
Death rates are highest in men and adults aged 50 to 64, though they are increasing more quickly among women and younger adults.
And, she added, “we’re seeing that for the first time in this country, women are drinking as much as men.”What is alcohol-related liver disease?
The first stage of the illness is fatty liver disease, or steatosis.
In the second stage, excessive alcohol consumption activates the body’s immune system, causing inflammation in the liver.
Persons:
it’s, ”, Jessica Mellinger
Organizations:
Centers for Disease Control, “, gastroenterology, hepatology, University of Michigan Medical
Locations:
United States