Final answer:
The correct sequence of alcoholic liver disease is fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, followed by cirrhosis. This progression reflects the stages of liver damage from excessive alcohol consumption, leading to fatty deposits, inflammation, cell death, scarring, and advanced liver dysfunction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alcoholic liver disease typically progresses through distinct stages, each characterized by increasing severity of liver damage. Initially, excessive alcohol consumption leads to the accumulation of fat in liver cells, a condition known as fatty liver disease or steatosis. Without intervention, the disease can progress to alcoholic hepatitis, which is a more serious form of liver inflammation caused by prolonged alcohol abuse.
This inflammation can cause liver cell death and scarring. Over time, continued alcohol abuse can result in cirrhosis, which is the formation of fibrous tissue in the liver, replacing dead cells. Cirrhosis leads to progressive loss of liver function and multi-organ complications due to the liver failing to detoxify substances adequately. This includes placing added strain on the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney dysfunction. Without intervention, cirrhosis can be the final stage of alcoholic liver disease and can lead to complications such as hepatic encephalopathy and liver cancer.