Over time, people who drink too much alcohol may have an increased risk of liver damage. Alcohol abuse may cause other serious health problems, including an enlarged liver or fatty liver disease. Alcohol is a toxin that can damage the liver. The liver is responsible for several functions, but one of its most important jobs is to remove toxins from the body.
The liver processes alcohol immediately as it needs to remove toxins, causing the organ to work much harder than it usually does, resulting in inflammation and scarring over time. It is important to note that this damage does not happen overnight—it occurs over time as one continues to drink excessively. Book an appointment with our experienced liver specialist in Ghaziabad at Manipal Hospitals and discuss your concerns related to diagnosis, treatment and recovery from alcohol liver damage.
How Excess Alcohol Causes Liver Damage?
When too much alcohol enters the liver, it leads to several types of liver diseases. Some liver cells die every time it filters the alcohol. The liver can regenerate new cells. However, prolonged alcohol misuse can reduce its ability to regenerate over many years, resulting in severe and permanent damage to your liver.
Alcohol Liver Damage Symptoms
Some of the most common alcohol-related liver damage symptoms include:
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Jaundice
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Dark urine
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Inability to eat
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Fatigue
Alcoholic Liver Disease and Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is a common symptom of alcoholic liver damage and one of the most common symptoms of alcoholic liver disease. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) can cause diarrhoea, which may signify that you have ALD.
If you drink alcohol excessively over a long period, it can damage your liver. The rate at which this happens depends on how much and how often you consume alcohol and other factors such as genetics and medical history.
Alcohol Liver Damage Test
There are several blood tests that your doctor may perform to monitor liver damage. These include:
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Liver function tests
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Liver enzyme tests
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Liver biopsy
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Liver ultrasound
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CT scan (computed tomography) of the liver MRI scan of the liver
Since heavy drinking can cause permanent organ damage, it's crucial to stop it as soon as you feel like you might have a problem.
If you have any symptoms of alcoholic liver disease, it's crucial to stop drinking as soon as possible. Alcohol-related organ damage is not reversible and can lead to liver failure or cancer. Since alcoholics - even those who are only mildly dependent on alcohol - do not get better with time, it's best to seek help immediately. Visit our Liver Disease Hospital in Ghaziabad for the best treatment.
If you suspect that your drinking has begun to affect your health, ensure the following:
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Do not drink when experiencing symptoms like jaundice and yellowing skin (also known as icterus). Instead, see a doctor immediately.
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Avoid consuming alcohol if anyone in your family history has had problems with alcoholism or other liver diseases like hepatitis C or fatty liver disease. Make sure they also see their doctor regularly for checkups to receive proper treatment if needed!
How to Repair Alcohol Liver Damage
There are several ways to repair the body from alcohol-related liver damage.
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Cutting down on alcohol will reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis (liver scarring) and other complications due to heavy drinking.
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Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
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Exercise regularly.
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Get plenty of sleep.
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Do not smoke cigarettes.
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Monitor blood pressure levels closely.
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Manage your stress, and try meditation or pursue your hobbies.
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Avoid consuming very spicy foods, which may trigger pain attacks from your liver.
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Avoid eating fatty foods or high-calorie meals such as fast food burgers and fries because these are often high in fat.
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If you eat a meal with lots of sodium (salt), drink an extra glass of water to flush out excess salts through urination instead of being stored by your body as fluid.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alcohol Liver Damage
1. Is it possible to recover from alcohol liver damage?
One can indeed recover from alcohol liver damage, but it is not as simple as just stopping drinking. One must stop drinking and change diet, exercise habits and overall lifestyle. The liver needs to recover its cells which can happen when it does not lose cells fighting toxins due to alcohol consumption.
2. How much alcohol causes liver damage?
Excell alcohol causes the liver to go into overdrive to remove toxins. Studies recommend not more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. 80g of alcohol per day for more than ten years has a nearly 100% chance of damaging the liver.
In conclusion, knowing the signs and symptoms of alcohol-related liver damage is essential. The best way to avoid this type of damage is by limiting your consumption of alcohol. We recommend seeking medical attention immediately at Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad if you have any concerns about your liver health or have experienced any symptoms related to this condition. Our Hepatology centre of excellence has some of the most renowned and trusted liver doctors in Ghaziabad, who can guide you over all the aspects associated with alcohol-related liver damage. Bookmark Manipal Hospitals blogs page to read informative and reliable content on multiple health concerns, their diagnosis and treatment options.
Consultant - Gastroenterology
Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad
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