Alcohol addiction has many adverse effects on the body and mind. From balance problems to short-term memory loss, there are numerous ways in which alcohol abuse can impact your health and well-being. However, one of the most well-known consequences of excessive alcohol use is liver damage. When consumed in copious amounts, alcohol prevents your liver from breaking down toxic substances, which causes these substances to accumulate inside your body. This can lead to liver failure and even death.
To keep these unwanted consequences at bay, it’s important to recognize the early signs and symptoms of liver damage. Being aware of these warning signs can enable you to receive the treatment you need while it’s still early. Here are the first signs of liver damage from alcohol that you should be wary of.
Early Signs of Liver Damage
Unfortunately, there are often no symptoms associated with liver damage caused by alcohol abuse. This can make it difficult for you to identify the early signs of liver damage. However, in some cases, a damaged liver will trigger uncomfortable symptoms throughout your body. Here are some of the most common symptoms to keep in mind:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling of your liver
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Diarrhea
If your liver continues to swell, you may begin experiencing pain in the upper right side of your abdomen. This pain can range from mild to severe. Be sure to see a doctor immediately if you’re struggling with any particularly severe symptoms of a damaged liver.
Diseases Associated With Liver Damage
Because liver damage is often asymptomatic in the beginning, many people aren’t aware of their condition until it develops into something more serious. It’s crucial to be familiar with these common liver-related diseases so you can seek out help before liver failure becomes a greater risk.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Also known as hepatic steatosis, alcoholic fatty liver disease occurs when fat accumulates inside your liver. It commonly affects those who drink heavily or struggle with alcohol addiction. The main symptoms of this disease include abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
Alcoholic Hepatitis
Alcoholic hepatitis is a disease characterized by high inflammation levels in the liver. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they may come on suddenly or cause damage over the course of many years. The most common symptoms are fatigue, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, yellowed eyes and skin, abdominal pain and fever.
Alcoholic Fibrosis
This disease takes place when proteins begin to accumulate in the liver. Because of the damage caused by alcohol abuse, the liver is no longer able to break down these excess proteins. As the proteins continue to build up, fibroids begin to form, which can cause severe abdominal pain and other unpleasant symptoms. Some examples of alcoholic fibrosis symptoms include reduced appetite, unexplained weight loss, nausea, weakness and exhaustion.
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