Common Signs of Liver Damage Caused by Alcohol Abuse

Common Signs of Liver Damage Caused by Alcohol Abuse

• Mandy Sandhu
• 1 Apr 2024

It’s no secret many adults love to drink alcohol. Reasons can include unwinding after a long day at work, being more social at a friend’s gathering, or because they enjoy the taste. 

There is a difference between enjoying a glass of wine at dinner and binge drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of serious health consequences, including addiction and alcohol cirrhosis. In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common signs of alcoholic liver disease.

What Alcohol Does to the Liver

The liver’s job is to filter alcohol out of a person’s bloodstream when they drink alcohol. While consuming too much alcohol over time will affect the entire body, it has a more significant impact on the liver’s ability to function properly. 

Drinking alcohol in large amounts means the liver has to work overtime to filter it. Overworking the liver can lead to inflammation, accumulation of fatty tissues, and eventually scarring. 

Once scar tissue forms, it can overwhelm the liver and hinder its ability to perform. This means the body loses its filtration system, and more alcohol will end up in the bloodstream.

8 Signs of Alcohol-Related Liver Damage 

Detecting the early signs of liver damage from alcohol can be challenging, as symptoms often don’t appear until it’s too late.

The signs of liver damage due to alcohol are:

1. Abnormal sleeping patterns
2. Fluctuating energy levels
3. Yellowing of the skin and eyes
4. Skin conditions like itching, eczema, psoriasis, and acne
5. Poor and severe reaction to the medications
6. Drinking small amounts of alcohol causes intoxication and extreme hangovers
7. Severe reactions to caffeine 
8. Flushing from head to torso

If any of these symptoms resonate true, schedule a consultation with a doctor and ask what steps should be taken. If the patient’s doctor suspects liver damage, they can arrange a blood test, ultrasound, and other necessary tests to check the liver. They may need more information, such as alcohol consumption levels and lifestyle, crucial in determining if treatment is a good next step.

Stages of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

Depending on the kind and amount of alcohol being consumed, the damage to the liver varies. Most alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) can take years of alcoholic abuse to develop, leaving the liver too inflamed and swollen. 

ARLD is a major global public health problem, with eight out of 10 adults drinking alcohol heavily. Historically, most ARLD victims were men. However, this has recently changed. Data now shows that alcohol intake among women has grown significantly. 

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease occurs when a build-up of fat in liver cells occurs. Fatty liver is the earliest and most common stage of ARLD, developing in 90% of people who drink more than the recommended daily alcohol intake. If weak and unmotivated, there’s a chance that fatty liver is the issue. Pain or discomfort on the upper right side of the stomach can indicate hepatomegaly or an enlarged liver.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease is typically fully reversible with some lifestyle changes, including lowering alcohol consumption, monitoring foods eaten, and increasing how much exercise is done.

Alcoholic Hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis occurs when the liver becomes inflamed, often indicating an infection or injury. It also kills healthy liver cells. Excessive alcohol consumption can trigger this condition. Common symptoms at this stage include abdominal pain, fever, weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Almost 35% of heavy drinkers can develop mild or severe alcoholic hepatitis. Severe alcoholic hepatitis can develop suddenly and result in life-threatening complications. While mild cases can improve with abstaining from alcohol, severe cases require more intensive medical attention.

Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis most commonly occurs in heavy drinkers who regularly binge drink. It causes the liver to become inflamed and can lead to the death of its cells. Healthy liver tissue is then replaced by scar tissue, which impedes the liver’s ability to filter alcohol properly.

Unlike fatty liver disease and a mild case of alcoholic hepatitis, the damage done by cirrhosis isn’t reversible. A liver transplant is the only option to correct the issue, in some cases. People with alcoholic cirrhosis are more at risk of developing liver cancer and other complications. 

How Alcohol-Related Liver Disease is Treated 

Treatment for alcoholic liver disease depends on the diagnosis. Whether dealing with fatty liver or alcoholic hepatitis, having a comprehensive treatment plan can help manage and improve liver health.

Once signs of alcohol liver damage have been established, there are critical components of treatment that will be discussed and implemented as a way forward in treatment.

Ceasing Alcohol Consumption 

Stopping alcohol consumption is a critical step in treating or preventing alcoholic liver disease and symptoms. When dealing with fatty liver disease or mild alcoholic hepatitis, quitting alcohol can significantly improve health. 

Data shows that 20% of Canadians are affected by non-alcoholic fatty liver. Learning about it will lessen the chances of suffering from alcohol-induced liver disease. 

If someone you love is struggling to eliminate alcohol from their life, getting alcohol addiction treatment and alcohol detox is the most effective path toward reclaiming a healthier, happier life. 

Managing Symptoms Through Medications 

Managing ARLD involves a range of supportive measures. Depending on the severity of the case, the healthcare team can work with the patient to tailor a plan that suits their needs. 

There are ARLD medications that can support proper liver function and ease inflammation. A doctor can prescribe medicines that align with treatment goals.

Additionally, nutritional supplements play a crucial role in addressing deficiencies caused by ARLD. For instance, incorporating vitamin B complex and zinc supplements can promote overall health and well-being.

In more severe stages of ARLD, such as liver cirrhosis, complications like fluid buildup in the abdomen or hepatic encephalopathy can arise. Fortunately, there are specific medications to ease these symptoms. While there’s no cure, a health professional can guide and help manage the discomfort or pain.

Adopting a Healthier Lifestyle 

Having healthy habits plays a crucial role in maintaining liver function, even before the first signs of liver damage due to alcohol manifest. But for those already experiencing liver health challenges like ARLD, making the switch to a healthier lifestyle can help: 

• A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains improves liver function. Reducing fast food and unhealthy fats consumption can support a healthier lifestyle.
• Exercising regularly can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce liver fat. Thirty minutes of moderate workouts are enough to stay fit. 
• Getting enough sleep and keeping well-hydrated is also crucial. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night.

Undergoing Advanced Treatments 

Advanced treatments for ARLD offer a path to improved health. These treatments, which can be specific for each patient, can include medication regimens, liver function support therapies, and specialized procedures.

For cases of liver cirrhosis, however, there is no cure. There are treatments, but they can only prevent further damage and help manage alcoholic liver disease symptoms and complications.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment 

The best way to treat alcohol cirrhosis and other alcoholic liver diseases is to stop drinking. This step can be vital to treatment, depending on the stage of the condition. However, we understand that this is often easier said than done.

Most people who end up with liver damage caused by alcohol abuse are addicts. To stop drinking when an alcoholic involves so much more effort than just saying, “I’m done.”

That’s why alcohol rehabs in Toronto and across Canada exist. Freedom From Addiction provides the needed support needed to overcome alcohol addiction and stop liver damage in its tracks. If you believe someone you know could benefit from our services, please contact us today.