The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. It helps clean the blood, store energy, and break down substances like alcohol.
But drinking too much alcohol over time can seriously hurt the liver. This damage is called alcohol-related liver disease, or ARLD for short, and it is a growing health problem all over the world.
When a person drinks alcohol, the liver works to break it down and remove it from the body. But in doing this, the liver produces harmful substances that can damage its own cells. If someone keeps drinking heavily, this damage builds up and can lead to long-term health problems.
Alcohol-related liver disease happens in stages. The first stage is called alcoholic fatty liver disease. At this point, fat builds up inside the liver cells. This can happen even after just a few weeks of heavy drinking. The good news is that this stage is often reversible if the person stops drinking.
If drinking continues, the next stage is alcoholic hepatitis. This is when the liver becomes swollen and inflamed. Some people may have mild symptoms like feeling tired or sick to their stomach. Others may get very sick, with yellowing skin (called jaundice), belly pain, and vomiting. In serious cases, alcoholic hepatitis can be life-threatening.
The final stage is called cirrhosis. This happens when the liver is so damaged that scar tissue replaces healthy cells. The liver stops working properly. This stage cannot usually be reversed, and it can lead to liver failure or even liver cancer. People with cirrhosis may need a liver transplant to survive.
Signs of ARLD can be different depending on how badly the liver is damaged. In the early stages, a person might feel weak or tired. As the disease gets worse, more serious symptoms can appear.
Jaundice is one of the clearest signs—the skin and eyes turn yellow because the liver can’t get rid of a substance called bilirubin. Some people may also notice their belly getting bigger from fluid buildup, or feel pain in the upper right part of their belly.
Other signs include feeling sick, losing interest in food, and having trouble thinking clearly. In severe cases, people can get red palms or small, spider-shaped blood vessels on their skin.
The best way to prevent or manage ARLD is to drink less alcohol or stop drinking completely. This is especially important for people who already have liver problems. Going to the doctor regularly can also help catch liver damage early and keep it from getting worse.
Doctors and scientists are still learning more about how alcohol affects the liver and how to treat ARLD. But studies show that quitting alcohol can make a big difference—even for people with serious liver disease. This is why it’s so important to notice symptoms early and get help as soon as possible.
If you or someone you know shows signs of liver problems and has been drinking heavily, it’s important to see a doctor. Getting help early can save lives.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about Healthy liver, happy life: new advice for keeping your liver in top shape and findings of Ibuprofen may have significant impact on the liver.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about Fatty liver disease linked to severe infections and findings of A new drug for weight loss and liver health.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
