How is ALD diagnosed?
The diagnosis of ALD is done with the help of blood tests (measuring AST and ALT levels and their ratio), ultrasound, CT scans, and in some cases, a liver biopsy to determine the extent of liver damage.
Can ALD be reversed?
Yes, especially in the early stages of fatty liver and alcoholic hepatitis. The liver can restore its function with cessation of alcohol consumption and following a healthy diet.
What foods should be eaten with fatty liver?
A liver-friendly diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (fish, poultry, legumes), and healthy fats, while avoiding processed foods, high sugar intake, and saturated fats.
What is a high AST/ALT ratio?
A higher AST/ALT ratio (usually greater than 2) is characteristic of alcohol-associated liver damage, as AST levels rise disproportionately compared to ALT in ALD.
NAFLD fibrosis score
The NAFLD fibrosis score combines age, blood tests, and other factors to assess the extent of liver scarring and determine patients at risk for further fibrosis in mixed-cause liver disease.
What are the ICD-10 codes for ALD?
Alcoholic Liver Disease is classified under ICD-10 codes K70.0 to K70.9, covering fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and unspecified alcoholic liver disease.
Where can I find pictures of liver disease?
GastroDoxs provides educational images and photos showing changes in alcoholic liver disease, from fatty infiltration to scarring.
What are the 3 stages of ALD?
ALD develops in three stages: 1) Fatty liver (steatosis), 2) Alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation), and 3) Cirrhosis (permanent scarring and impaired liver function).
What happens in end-stage ALD?
End-stage ALD can cause serious complications such as ascites, jaundice, bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and liver failure. Liver transplant may be required to survive.
How can I get help in Katy?
At GastroDoxs in Katy, you can schedule an appointment with an ALD specialist. The team provides individualized testing, treatment management, monitoring, and referrals for transplants if necessary.
Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG
| Updated 03-17-2026