|  | Conditions Treatments | Drug Addiction

Liver Damage Due to Alcohol Abuse

One of the main reasons for liver damage and cirrhosis is chronic alcohol consumption. As the liver heals from alcohol metabolism, it begins to scar from continual regeneration. The scaring causes hardening, which is known as cirrhosis of the liver. The damage may be so severe that a liver transplant is needed. The damage interferes with regulatory processes like metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, causing malnutrition and toxicity in the blood.

  1. Fatty Liver

    • Fatty liver is one type of dysfunction that is caused by alcohol consumption. A fatty liver has few symptoms, but the fat deposits accumulate causing an enlargement of the organ. The enlargement causes discomfort and pain in the abdomen. A fatty liver is common with alcohol drinkers.

    Hepatitis

    • Alcohol hepatitis is a disease that can be chronic, leading to gradual liver damage and cirrhosis. Alcohol hepatitis has several symptoms including tenderness, fever and jaundice. The severity of the disease corresponds with the amount of alcohol consumed. Heavy, binge drinkers may have a sudden occurrence of alcohol hepatitis, which can lead to a higher mortality rate even after cessation.

    Cirrhosis

    • Cirrhosis is a hardening of the liver usually from many years of chronic drinking. As the liver cells divide and regenerate, scar tissue replaces healthy liver cells. The loss of healthy cells leads to toxicity in the blood and possible acute liver failure. Cirrhosis often follows hepatitis or fatty liver disease.

    Complications

    • Because the liver is responsible for many functions that clear toxins and metabolize macromolecules, malnutrition and toxicity in the blood are observed. Liver damage leads to other organ failure like kidneys, spleen, and stomach. Fluids accumulate in the stomach and blood pressure rises, causing heart damage and possible renal failure.

    Treatment

    • The liver quickly heals once cessation from alcohol is practiced. The patient may be given medications, but diet and exercise are naturally healthy for liver regeneration. If damage is beyond repair, a liver transplant is optional. Liver transplants are not given to chronic drinkers, so rehabilitation and detox are required before approval for the surgery.

Drug Addiction - Related Articles