An occasional mixed drink or beer may be tempting, especially during reduced-priced happy hours at the local upscale bar. However, excessive alcohol use can transform into a disease when drinking is done in secret and causes such symptoms as ordering doubles, becoming intoxicated to feel good and experiencing nausea, sweating and shaking when unable to drink. In fact, alcoholics feel a compulsion to drink with some people unaware of it effects.
Alcoholic Hepatitis
Alcoholic hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver that cause such symptoms as stomach pain, yellowing of the skin, a fever, stomach swelling and nausea or vomiting. This disease also causes a fever, confusion, lightheadedness, fast weight gain, dry mouth and a poor appetite, says the Mayo Clinic. The severity of alcoholic hepatitis depends on the amount of alcohol consumed and the duration of the alcoholic consumption.
Treatment for alcoholic hepatitis involves discontinuing alcohol to reduce any liver damage and taking such drugs as corticosteroids with pentoxyphylline. These drugs can both decrease liver inflammation. Also quitting smoking, reducing fat and adding vitamins and mineral supplements to the diet can help manage alcoholic hepatitis. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be needed.
Gastritis
Excessive alcohol can also irritate the lining of the stomach. This leads to a medical condition called gastritis. Symptoms of gastritis include stomach pain, indigestion, a loss of appetite, dark stools, nausea and vomiting, says MedlinePlus. Discontinue alcohol use to reduce gastritis symptoms. Also, over-the-counter antacid medications can be used to neutralize acid in the stomach.
Cardiomyopathy
Alcohol use can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle becomes weak. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of cardiomyopathy include shortness of breath with activity and at rest, fatigue, swelling of the ankles, legs or feet, bloating, fatigue, an irregular heartbeat and lightheadedness or fainting.
Treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy includes taking such medications as beta-blockers such as carvedilol, angiotensin-converting inhibitors such as captopril, diuretics such as thiazide, digitalis glycosides and vasodilator medications to allow more blood flow to the heart, says MedlinePlus. Sometimes, a pacemaker, an implantable cardio-defibrillator or a left-ventricular assist device may be necessary to implant if medications cannot successfully treat cardiomyopathy.
