Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) is a growing global health concern, and it can be life-threatening if left untreated. The liver plays a vital role in processing alcohol, but too much drinking can overwhelm it, leading to serious damage.
Knowing the early signs and understanding how the disease progresses can help people seek medical care sooner—and possibly save lives.
When you drink alcohol, your liver works hard to break it down. In doing so, it creates harmful byproducts that can damage liver cells. Over time, if you continue drinking heavily, these toxic substances can cause inflammation and fat buildup in the liver. If the damage continues, it can lead to scarring and even liver failure.
ARLD doesn’t happen overnight. It develops gradually, often in three stages:
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD)
This is the earliest and most common stage. It happens when fat builds up in liver cells due to drinking, even for a short period. Most people don’t notice any symptoms at this stage, but the liver is already under strain. The good news? If you stop drinking early enough, this stage is often reversible.
Alcoholic Hepatitis
Continued drinking can lead to inflammation in the liver, known as alcoholic hepatitis. This stage can be mild or severe. People may experience symptoms like yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice), stomach pain (especially in the upper right side), nausea, vomiting, and general weakness. In severe cases, this stage can be life-threatening.
Cirrhosis
This is the most advanced and dangerous stage. Cirrhosis means the liver has become scarred and its ability to function is seriously impaired. Once the liver reaches this point, the damage is often permanent. People with cirrhosis may need a liver transplant if the damage becomes too severe.
Recognizing the symptoms early is essential. Some signs to watch out for include:
Tiredness or weakness: Feeling drained even after resting can be a sign of liver stress.
Jaundice: Yellow skin or eyes signal a problem with how the liver handles waste.
Swelling or pain in the abdomen: The liver may become enlarged, or fluid may build up, causing discomfort.
Loss of appetite or nausea: These can appear as the liver struggles to remove toxins.
Mental confusion: When the liver can’t filter toxins properly, they can affect the brain.
Red palms and spider veins: Reddened palms or small, web-like blood vessels on the skin can be visible signs of liver trouble.
These symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly, depending on how much damage has been done.
The most effective way to prevent ARLD is simple: cut back or stop drinking alcohol. Even in advanced stages, quitting alcohol can help slow down or stop further liver damage. In some cases, people with alcoholic hepatitis or early cirrhosis have seen big improvements in their liver health after quitting drinking.
Regular check-ups are important—especially for people who drink heavily or have other health problems. Doctors can run tests to monitor liver function and catch any issues early.
If you or someone you know shows signs of liver disease and has a history of drinking, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference. Doctors can offer support, guidance, and treatment options, including help for quitting alcohol.
ARLD is serious, but it’s also preventable and, in many cases, manageable. Recognizing the symptoms and acting quickly can protect your health and improve your quality of life. Making healthier choices today can lead to a better, longer tomorrow.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about a diet that can treat fatty liver disease and obesity, and coffee drinkers may halve their risk of liver cancer.
For more information about liver health, please see recent studies that anti-inflammatory diet could help prevent fatty liver disease, and results showing vitamin D could help prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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