22nd July 2023

Background

In contrast to many other major diseases, the mortality associated with liver disease has been increasing in recent decades. Alcohol is the leading cause of liver disease in the UK. It can cause either acute or chronic liver disease, and the latter may eventually result in cirrhosis.

ALD is associated with chronic and excessive alcohol intake. However, not all those with a significant alcohol history will develop ALD. Other risk factors associated with ALD are smoking and being overweight.