Alcohol is processed and metabolized by the liver. In the liver, the alcohol is converted into acetaldehyde, which is a toxic chemical that is normally rapidly converted into other, less dangerous chemicals. However, when large amounts of alcohol are consumed, the acetaldehyde can build up, resulting in liver damage. This liver damage may be mild and reversible, or it can be permanent and result in liver failure.
Liver Enlargement
Liver enlargement, also known as hepatomegaly, is a symptom of liver disease caused by alcohol consumption. Although there are many different stages of alcoholic liver disease, all of them can result in swelling or enlargement of the liver, the American Liver Foundation notes. The earliest stage of alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver, is marked by the appearance of fat droplets in the liver, causing the liver to swell. This can cause abdominal discomfort. Liver inflammation and scarring, caused by more severe disease, can also result in the liver becoming large, resulting in a feeling of pressure in the upper right portion of the abdomen. More severe cases of alcohol-induced liver damage can cause pain and tenderness in the abdomen.
Hepatitis
As the liver becomes more damaged, hepatitis can result, MayoClinic.com explains. This is because the damage to the liver tissue triggers an inflammatory response. Alcoholic hepatitis can result in patients feeling extreme nausea and vomiting. In addition, patients may lose their appetite.
Ascites
Liver damage caused by alcohol can also cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen, which is known as ascites. One of the functions of the liver is to make proteins which serve to help prevent the loss of fluid from the blood. If the liver is significantly damaged by alcohol consumption, this protein production can drop, resulting in water leaking out of the blood vessels and accumulating throughout the body. Ascites can result in abdominal swelling and unintentional weight gain.
Jaundice
Alcoholic liver damage can also result in jaundice. Jaundice is marked by the yellowing of the skin and of the whites of the eyes. As the liver becomes more damaged, it is unable to properly dispose of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that results from the breakdown of old blood cells. As bilirubin builds up, it causes a yellowish tint to appear.
Bleeding
One of the functions of the liver is to produce proteins which are needed for proper blood clotting. Liver damage can cause the amounts of these proteins to drop, making it hard for the blood to coagulate. This can result in a tendency to bruise or bleed easily; in addition, patients who suffer an injury may have a hard time getting the bleeding to stop.
Neurological Problems
The liver is needed to process and remove toxins from the blood. If the liver function becomes impaired, these toxins will build up in the blood to the point where they can cause a number of mental problems. Patients may feel confused or have problems concentrating. As the disease progresses, patients may experience diminished consciousness, responsiveness and may ultimately slip into a coma, MayoClinic.com explains.
