Chronic consumption of alcohol impairs the liver's production of digestive enzymes and the body's ability to absorb nutrients. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men who consume an average of two drinks per day (one more than for women), are considered heavy drinkers. The toxic effects of alcohol on the liver can be very serious. The normal passage of blood through the liver can eventually become blocked, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the blood. The liver may be able to heal from mild effects, but it cannot regenerate tissues that are severely damaged by alcohol.
Types
Fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis are the three types of liver diseases that are commonly induced by alcohol. Accumulation of fat in the liver is a result of alcohol's interference with the normal digestion of fats. According to the American Liver Foundation, this condition occurs in almost all heavy drinkers. Next, chronic alcohol use can lead to the development of hepatitis, or an inflammation of the liver that causes some liver cells to die. The ALF warns that alcoholic hepatitis may last for years, causing progressive liver damage. When healthy liver tissue is replaced by non-functioning scar tissue, this process is characteristic of cirrhosis, and the damage is irreversible.
Symptoms
Discomfort in the upper right abdomen due to liver enlargement may be the only symptom of a fatty liver. The liver may be tender, with nausea, fatigue, and jaundiced (yellow) skin and eyes as a result of hepatitis. As liver damage progresses, dilation of blood vessels beneath the skin's surface may appear as spidery veins. Intense itching occurs. Fluid accumulates around the liver and major blood vessels are damaged. High blood pressure is common, and can damage the heart and kidneys. Hoarseness of the voice may be noticeable. In advanced cases, ammonia builds up in the blood and brain and the person feels and acts confused.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing alcohol related liver problems, doctors rely on a comprehensive health history and findings from a physical examination as well as the results of routine laboratory tests. Specialized blood tests are used to assess liver function. A liver biopsy may also be necessary to determine the extent of damage.
Treatment
Abstinence from alcohol is required for the effective treatment of liver disease. The effects of fatty liver and hepatitis may be reversed if the liver is relieved of the need to process alcohol. The scarring of liver tissue in cirrhosis cannot be undone, but avoiding alcohol may preserve functioning tissue and prolong life. Medications can play a role in relieving fluid accumulation, cleansing the blood of ammonia through the bowels, and in alleviating itching. Surgical procedures to drain or shunt away fluids can relieve abdominal swelling. In advanced cases, a liver transplant may be necessary for survival.
Complications
Liver cancer is a possible complication of alcohol-related liver problems, particularly of cirrhosis. Life-threatening congestive heart failure and internal bleeding are likely complications of liver failure due to cirrhosis.
