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Alcoholic Liver Disease
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) results from chronic, excessive alcohol consumption, triggering liver inflammation and damage. From fatty liver to cirrhosis, early diagnosis and treatment are vital. Dr. Scott at GastroDoxs in Houston offers personalized care, advanced testing, and compassionate support.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Heavy alcohol consumption over many years
Family history of liver disease
Obesity or poorly controlled blood sugar
Poor nutrition or vitamin deficiencies
Female sex (women are more vulnerable to alcohol's effects)
Use of certain medications or exposure to environmental toxins
Signs and Symptoms
Fatigue or persistent weakness
Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Swelling in the legs (edema) or abdomen (ascites)
A sweet or musty odor on the breath
Memory problems or confusion in advanced stages
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your alcohol intake and asks you to describe your epigastric pain-its onset, location, intensity, and any factors that worsen or relieve it. He also assesses for jaundice, abdominal swelling, and other physical signs of liver injury.
Blood Tests
We check liver enzymes (AST, ALT), bilirubin, albumin, and platelet count to gauge liver function and inflammation. Additional labs may include a complete blood count and coagulation profile.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal Ultrasound - evaluates liver size, texture, fatty infiltration, and detects fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
FibroScan (Transient Elastography) - measures liver stiffness to identify fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
When non-invasive tests are inconclusive, a liver biopsy can confirm the degree of inflammation, fibrosis, or cirrhosis and help guide treatment decisions.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for alcoholic liver disease.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Quit alcohol completely with personalized support
Eat balanced meals with lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables
Reduce salt intake to help control swelling (ascites)
Connect with local Houston support groups for recovery
2. Medications
Supplementation with vitamins such as thiamine and folate
Prescription medicines to reduce liver inflammation and swelling
Diuretics to ease fluid buildup in the abdomen
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Paracentesis to safely drain excess fluid from the belly
FibroScan or ultrasound-based liver stiffness assessment
Referral for liver transplant evaluation in cases of severe cirrhosis
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for alcoholic liver disease?
Codes range from K70.0 to K70.9, depending on your specific diagnosis and disease stage.
Can alcohol worsen non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Yes. Drinking on top of fatty liver accelerates liver damage and disease progression.
Why does ALD cause a musty smell?
When the liver can't filter toxins properly, they build up and often cause a sweet or musty breath odor.
What are signs of end-stage alcoholic liver disease?
Advanced ALD often features severe jaundice, fluid swelling, confusion, and increased bleeding risk.
How fast can my liver improve if I stop drinking?
Liver enzyme levels can improve within weeks, and fatty liver changes may reverse in a few months of abstinence.
Do I need a liver biopsy?
Biopsy is only required if blood tests and imaging aren't conclusive about your liver damage.
How can I book an appointment with Dr. Scott?
Use our online form or call GastroDoxs directly to schedule your visit with Dr. Scott.
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