What are the early signs of liver damage due to excess alcohol consumption?

What are the early signs of liver damage due to excess alcohol consumption
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What are the early signs of liver damage due to excess alcohol consumption?

  • May 19, 2021

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The liver is present on the upper right side of the abdomen and just under the ribs. It performs different functions which are beneficial for your overall health like:

  • Break down of toxic substances like alcohol, drugs, and many other things.
  • Bile production is necessary for fat digestion.
  • Nutrients storage along with certain vitamins
  • Protein development is necessary for blood clotting.

If the liver functioning is affected it can prevent many vital functions. Liver damage from alcohol is one of the main reasons for fatal deaths all over the globe. It is also referred to as alcohol-related liver disease and consulting the medical expert at an early stage is important. Your liver health is important to keep yourself doing your daily activities with ease.

What are the early signs of liver damage from alcohol?

As we have mentioned, the liver is essential to break down the toxic substances which include alcohol. If you drink alcohol way beyond the normal limit then it can affect or potentially damage the liver. In such cases, the fat content is increased in the liver which leads to inflammation and scar tissue accumulation. In the case of alcohol-related liver disease, there are no symptoms at the initial stage. Although, there are certain symptoms which you can notice like:

  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Liver swelling, which increases discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen

How liver health is affected due to excess alcohol consumption?

In this, there are chances to have 3 different liver problems which include:

Alcoholic fatty liver disease

In medical terms, it is also known as hepatic steatosis. It occurs due to fat build-up as excess alcohol consumption makes it difficult to break down the fat. It is extremely common in those who drink alcohol in excess. The chances of having this condition are around 90%. This situation can lead to symptoms like:

  • Discomfort in the liver area
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss

Alcoholic hepatitis

At some point, the problem can lead to liver inflammation and this is referred to as alcoholic hepatitis. It can lead to the following symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Pain in the liver area
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

This can lead to mild or severe symptoms and over years it leads to liver damage. Treatment can help to control your situation.

Alcoholic cirrhosis

There are high chances that if you do not stop then it can lead to scar tissue formation which affects the healthy liver tissue. It can lead to serious health issues like:

  • Bleeding from veins in the upper digestive tract (varices)
  • Increased risk of infection
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver cancer
  • Portal hypertension (high blood pressure of the liver)
  • Ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen)
  • Hepatic encephalopathy (brain damage due to increased toxins)

How to improve your liver health?

Moderate alcohol consumption

  • Women: Up to 1 drink per day
  • Men: Up to 2 drinks per day

Depending on the type of alcohol you consume

  • 1.5 oz of liquor (40% alcohol)
  • 5 oz of wine (12% alcohol)
  • 8 oz of malt liquor (7% alcohol)
  • 12 ounces (oz) of beer (5% alcohol)

Final thought!

It is better to not let the situation reach the stage that it leads to liver damage. Make sure to consult the doctor on time and get an effective treatment approach.