Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) is becoming a bigger problem around the world. It can be very serious—even deadly—if not treated in time.
The liver is a very important organ that helps the body break down alcohol and remove toxins. But drinking too much can hurt the liver and stop it from doing its job.
When you drink alcohol, your liver has to work extra hard. In the process, it creates harmful substances. These can slowly damage the liver’s cells. If heavy drinking continues, the liver can become swollen and start to store fat. Over time, the damage can become worse, leading to scarring and even liver failure.
ARLD doesn’t happen right away. It develops in stages.
The first stage is called alcoholic fatty liver disease. This happens when fat builds up in the liver after drinking. Even short periods of drinking can lead to this stage. Most people don’t have symptoms, but the liver is already under stress. The good news is that this stage can be reversed if you stop drinking.
The second stage is alcoholic hepatitis. This means the liver is inflamed. It can be mild or very serious. Symptoms may include yellow skin or eyes (called jaundice), pain in the upper right side of the belly, nausea, vomiting, and feeling weak. In serious cases, it can be life-threatening.
The third and most dangerous stage is cirrhosis. This is when the liver becomes very scarred and doesn’t work well anymore. At this point, the damage is usually permanent. Some people may need a liver transplant to survive.
It’s important to notice signs of liver trouble early. If you catch the disease in time, you may be able to stop it from getting worse. Some signs to look out for are:
Feeling tired or weak, even after resting. This could mean your liver is struggling.
Yellow skin or eyes, which shows the liver isn’t handling waste properly.
Swelling or pain in your belly, especially on the right side, could mean your liver is enlarged or has fluid buildup.
Loss of appetite, feeling sick, or vomiting. These can happen when the liver isn’t removing toxins well.
Confusion or trouble thinking clearly. This happens when toxins reach the brain because the liver isn’t filtering them.
Red palms or tiny red lines on the skin (called spider veins). These may also show up when the liver is damaged.
These signs can appear slowly or quickly, depending on how bad the damage is.
The best way to prevent ARLD is simple—drink less alcohol or stop drinking completely. Even in the later stages, quitting alcohol can help stop more damage. Some people have seen their liver get better after they stop drinking, even if the disease was already advanced.
Seeing a doctor regularly is also important, especially if you drink often or have other health issues. Blood tests can check how well your liver is working and catch problems early.
If you or someone you know has signs of liver disease and drinks alcohol, don’t wait. Getting medical help early can make a big difference. Doctors can offer support and treatment, including help with quitting drinking.
ARLD is serious, but in many cases, it can be prevented or managed. Knowing the signs and making healthy choices can protect your liver and improve your future.
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.
For more 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.
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