Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) is becoming a growing public health concern, driven by increasing alcohol consumption, unhealthy dietary habits, and sedentary lifestyles. Studies indicate that ALD is responsible for up to 50% of liver-related deaths worldwide, with India seeing a sharp rise in cases over the past decade. While the condition is preventable, late diagnosis and lack of awareness often lead to irreversible liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver failure.
Dr. Ksheetij Kothari, a leading gastroenterologist in Pune, emphasizes that no amount of alcohol is truly safe for the liver and stresses the need for early detection, lifestyle modification, and medical intervention to curb the rising burden of ALD.
“Most people don’t realize how silent and dangerous liver disease can be,” says Dr. Kothari. “They assume that only heavy drinkers are at risk, but even moderate drinking can cause liver damage over time. The liver doesn’t give warning signs until things have gone too far, and by then, we’re often dealing with cirrhosis or end-stage liver disease. One drop of alcohol is technically a toxin to the liver—it’s just that some livers tolerate it better than others.” He urges individuals to not wait for symptoms and instead get regular liver check-ups, especially if they drink frequently, have obesity, or metabolic disorders like diabetes.
The progression of ALD occurs in stages—fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. In the initial stages, fatty liver disease is reversible with alcohol cessation and lifestyle changes, but if left untreated, it can lead to inflammation, scarring, and permanent liver dysfunction. Studies show that nearly 20% of individuals with chronic alcohol consumption will develop cirrhosis, significantly increasing their risk of liver cancer and organ failure. “The biggest myth I hear is, ‘I don’t drink every day, so I won’t get liver disease.’ It’s not about how often you drink—it’s about how much your liver can handle, and that varies from person to person. There is no universal ‘safe’ drinking level,” Dr. Kothari explains. “If your liver isn’t breaking down alcohol efficiently, even weekend binge drinking can be enough to cause long-term damage.”
Beyond diagnosis, Dr. Kothari stresses that prevention and lifestyle modification play a critical role in reducing ALD-related complications. He advocates for a three-pronged approach: limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a balanced diet, and regular liver monitoring. “People don’t realize that the liver is one of the few organs that can regenerate—but only up to a point,” he says. “If you catch liver damage early and completely stop drinking, your liver can heal itself. But once cirrhosis sets in, there’s no going back. That’s why prevention is everything.” He recommends a high-protein, low-fat diet rich in antioxidants to support liver function and reverse early liver damage. For high-risk individuals, periodic liver assessments using ultrasound, liver function tests, and non-invasive techniques like FibroScan can help track disease progression and guide medical intervention.
However, in cases where liver damage is already advanced, medical intervention, endoscopic procedures, and liver transplantation may be necessary to manage complications such as variceal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. “When we reach the stage where the liver is struggling to function, the focus shifts to damage control, preventing life-threatening complications, and considering liver transplant as a life-saving option with the potential for improved long-term outcomes,” he explains.
With advanced diagnostic tools and minimally invasive treatment options, early-stage ALD can be reversed, and severe cases can be managed effectively. However, the first step is awareness and proactive health monitoring. Dr. Kothari urges individuals at risk to prioritize liver health screenings, adopt responsible drinking habits, and seek medical advice at the earliest signs of liver dysfunction. “Your liver doesn’t show symptoms until it’s in trouble. By the time you feel unwell, it may already be too late. The best approach to liver disease is prevention, and that starts with early screening and lifestyle modifications.”
As a leading expert in digestive and liver health, Dr. Kothari is committed to enhancing patient awareness, promoting preventive care, and offering advanced treatment solutions for ALD. By combining cutting-edge diagnostics, patient education, and evidence-based treatments, he helps individuals regain control of their liver health and prevent life-threatening complications.
About Dr. Ksheetij Kothari
Dr. Ksheetij Kothari is a highly respected gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and endoscopist, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive, liver, and pancreatic disorders. With expertise in advanced endoscopic procedures, he is dedicated to providing precise, minimally invasive solutions for conditions such as Alcoholic Liver Disease, fatty liver, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal cancers, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Dr. Kothari holds an M.D. (Medicine) and a D.M. in Gastroenterology, with a Fellowship in Advanced Endoscopy from the Premier Gastroenterology Institute (PGI), Jalandhar, Punjab. He is a Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, and Endoscopist, known for his patient-centric approach and commitment to evidence-based, ethical treatment.
Dr. Kothari’s Digestive and Liver Care Clinic
Office No. 205, City Center, Solapur, Opp. Vaibhav Theater
97651 80181 / 97651 80182
Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM
