Alcohol abuse is dangerous on many levels, from the emotional turmoil it can cause friends and family to the physical toll it takes on the body. The primary organ affected by alcohol consumption is the liver, and one of the most common illnesses stemming from alcohol abuse is an alcohol-related liver disease.
The Importance of the Liver
According to the American Liver Foundation, the liver is the second largest organ in the body. It can be found under the rib cage on the right side, and it weights roughly three pounds.
The liver is tasked with many crucial jobs. It processes and filters everything you eat and drink, turning it into energy and nutrients for the body to absorb. The liver simultaneously works to remove harmful substances from the bloodstream.
When consuming alcohol, the liver works to remove it from the body. When a person drinks too much, the liver can become seriously damaged or injured. Alcohol can harm—even destroy—liver cells.
The Most Common Types of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Alcohol abuse can include both sporadic binge drinking and long-term alcohol addiction. Three major kinds of alcohol-related liver disease can arise from such abuse:
- Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis of the liver is ranked as one of the most advanced alcohol-related liver diseases. It is characterized by severe scarring and disruption of the normal structure of the organ. When cirrhosis occurs, the liver’s soft, healthy tissue is replaced by hard scar tissue. Abstaining completely from alcohol can improve the symptoms and signs of this liver disease and prevent further damage, but the damage already done is irreversible.
- Alcoholic Hepatitis: Characterized by fat in the liver cells, inflammation, and mild scarring, alcoholic hepatitis is less severe than cirrhosis. Common symptoms include a marked loss of appetite coupled with nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice. According to the American Liver Foundation, up to 35 percent of heavy drinkers develop this diseases, and 55 percent of them already have cirrhosis.
- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The earliest stage of alcohol-related liver disease is known as fatty liver disease. It’s a dangerous stage because it usually has no symptoms, and if indicators do present, they are easily confused with other common illnesses. Some symptoms include weakness, fatigue, and localized discomfort in the upper right Heavy drinkers are at risk of fatty liver disease, and a test of the liver may come back normal up until the condition grows more serious by becoming alcoholic hepatitis. The good news is if fatty liver disease is suspected or caught, abstinence from alcohol can sometimes reverse the liver’s injuries.
The Seriousness of Liver Disease
Liver disease in any form, if left undiagnosed and treated, can lead to liver failure and death. For some, the only answer to prolonging liver function is total abstinence from alcohol. Even then, symptoms can be chronic and life-changing.
The best course of action is to avoid excessive drinking altogether. If you or someone you love is battling an alcohol addiction, seek help promptly.