The alcohol-related disease is caused by excess alcohol intake. This excess leads to liver damage. This disease is common but preventable. There are three main types in this kind of disease:
Drinking a large amount of alcohol even just for a few days can build-up fats in the liver.
This can cause by alcohol abuse over a long period of time.
This is where the liver has already become significantly damaged.
Drinking too much alcohol can take a serious effect on your health. Alcohol has many effects on your body like:
- It lessens your ability to think clearly.
- It lessens your move with direction.
- It may affect your mood and behavior.
- It leads to malnutrition and loss of weight.
- Weakens your immune system.
- Increasing the risk of developing certain cancers (colon, liver, and mouth)
Alcohol-related liver disease symptoms
The most common symptoms of Alcohol-related liver disease are:
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Feeling sick
- Diarrhea
- Feeling unwell
As the liver becomes more damaged, more obvious symptoms can be developed:
- Hair loss and very itchy skin
- Significant weight loss
- Weakness and muscle wasting
- Jaundice and Oedema
Alcohol-related liver disease causes
The alcohol-related disease may cause damage to the liver by years of excessive drinking. Alcohol abuse may cause the liver to become inflamed and swollen. The alcohol-related disease may occur if you misuse the alcohol.
Risk factors of Alcohol-related liver disease
This may be at a higher risk if you are/have:
- The combined effect of obesity and alcohol gives the worst effect.
- Malnutrition: Lack of nutrients contributes to liver cell damage.
- Chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis c):
Diagnosis of Alcohol-related liver disease
Diagnosis includes:
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests
- Liver biopsy
- Endoscopy
Treatment Alcohol-related liver disease
The alcohol-related liver disease treatments are the following:
- Stop drinking alcohol
- Withdrawal symptoms: if you’re already avoiding alcohol, you may experience this.
- Preventing relapses
- Diet and Healthy Lifestyle
- Liver transplants
Alcohol-related liver disease complications
Complications may occur a year after having heavy drinking. These can be serious and life-threatening:
- Portal hypertension: This is a common complication of cirrhosis.
- Ascites: This may also develop a build-up of fluid around the intestine.
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Infection
- Liver cancer
- Building up of toxins in the brain
- Internal bleeding
