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Signs of Liver Problems Due to Alcohol

Alcohol abuse can cause serious problems with the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing alcohol in the body. Constant over-drinking may cause fat cells to accumulate in the liver, which can lead to a condition called alcoholic hepatitis. If left unchecked, alcoholic hepatitis can progress to cirrhosis, which is the most serious alcohol-related liver disorder and can be fatal.

  1. How Much is Too Much?

    • The Centers for Disease Control claims that safe drinking is two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. If you consume more than this, you might be at risk for alcohol related disease. Five or more drinks in one sitting is considered binge drinking, and regular binges can further increase the risks.

    How Does Alcohol Affect the Liver?

    • According to the American Liver Foundation, the liver is in charge of breaking down alcohol so it can be purged from your system. An excess of alcohol upsets this metabolic process, and can lead to liver disorders.

    Types of Liver Problems

    • The American Liver Foundation describes three kind of issues that may occur with the liver. Fatty liver is caused when fat cells accumulate in the organ. Alcoholic hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by alcohol consumption. Both of these conditions are reversible if drinking is stopped. Cirrhosis is the most serious form of liver disease. It is the permanent scarring of the liver due to abuse, and is not reversible.

    Signs of Fatty Liver and Alcoholic Hepatitis

    • Fatty liver may present no symptoms, though a drinker may experience mild discomfort over the right side of their abdomen, where the liver is located. Alcoholic Hepatitis can also cause this abdominal discomfort. This condition can also lead to nausea, fever, jaundice and vomiting.

    Signs of Cirrhosis

    • Cirrhosis also causes nausea, fever, jaundice, and vomiting, and usually sets in after 10 years of regularly abusing alcohol. Cirrhosis can necessitate a liver transplant, and in serious cases can be fatal.

    Talk to Your Doctor

    • If you are concerned about your level of alcohol intake or your liver function, be sure to talk to your doctor. Because the beginning stages of liver disorders might not present symptoms, they can perform tests to measure proper function.

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