Liver diseases can also develop as the result of alcohol abuse over several years. Although liver disease may not occur in all the heavy drinkers, the chance of developing it increases as the individual continues to consume more alcohol. The liver is responsible for the performance of various functions of the body. This includes processing what we consume into energy the body can use, removing harmful substances from the blood, regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The liver can become seriously injured when an individual continues to drink more alcohol than the liver can process. There are several stages of severity with their associated symptoms. The liver is an organ that is capable of regenerating itself although the prolonged alcohol misuse can affect its ability to regenerate.
Causes
Excess consumption of alcohol can increase the risk of developing an alcohol-related liver disease. The liver problem can develop when individuals consume excess alcohol in a short period of time or consume more than the recommended limits over several years. Some of the additional factors that can also increase an individual’s risk of developing the alcoholic liver disease are obesity, already having another liver problem such as hepatitis C and genetics where some individuals may have a problem with processing alcohol that runs in the families. There are three main stages of alcohol-related liver disease; alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. The alcoholic fatty liver disease can occur when individuals consume an excess amount of alcohol in short periods of time that causes the accumulation of fats in the liver. This initial stage rarely causes any symptoms which is often reversible when they stop drinking alcohol for a couple of weeks. Alcoholic hepatitis can develop with the consumption of alcohol over several years which can be reversed when alcohol consumption is stopped. Cirrhosis is the final stage of the alcohol-related liver disease that presents scarring of the liver which is not reversible.
Symptoms
The symptoms may develop based on the function of the liver. In some cases, the symptoms can become worse after heavy drinking. Initial symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, abdominal pain and red spider-like blood vessels on the skin. The symptoms of a later stage can include fluid accumulation in the legs and the abdomen, jaundice, redness on the palms of the hands, confusion, impotence in men and clay-colored stools.
Diagnosis
A physical examination will look for enlarged spleen or liver, swollen abdomen, jaundice and widened veins in the abdominal wall. Additional tests can include complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests and liver biopsy. Imaging tests such as ultrasound may also be required to rule out other possible causes and to detect the fatty accumulation in the liver.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment available for the alcohol-related liver disease. The only option is to stop drinking alcohol which can prevent further damage to the liver with the chance of its recovery. A liver transplant may be required in the severe cases of liver damage when it has stopped functioning.
References
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Liver_disease_(alcoholic)/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/alcohol/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000281.htm
