Alcoholic liver disease is a broad term used for a number of liver ailments relating to alcohol overconsumption, including chronic hepatitis with liver cirrhosis or fibrosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver.
Alcohol is a known toxin for the liver and is one of the major and common causes of advanced liver problems. The risk factors for these diseases include:
üQuantity of alcohol consumption: Researches have proven that men who take 40-80 gms of alcohol and women who take 20-40 gms of alcohol daily are at high risk for a severe liver disease.
üDrinking pattern: Alcohol consumption outside of meal times increases the risk of Alcoholic liver diseases.
üGender: Women are more susceptible to alcohol-related liver diseases in comparison to men, and suffer from high risk even with a comparatively less chronic consumption.
üHepatitis C infection: The presence of the Hepatitis C infection accelerates the process of liver deterioration.
üDiet: Vitamin A and E deficiencies, poor diet, encephalopathy, and anorexia can worsen alcohol related liver problems.
Early symptoms of Alcoholic liver diseases are as follows:
· Abdominal pain
· Loss of appetite
· Fatigue
· Feeling generally unwell
However, the above symptoms can be associated with many ailments and does not point out to Alcoholic liver diseases without a proper diagnosis. Many Hepatologist in Delhi opine that owing to their vague structure, these symptoms are usually not noticed by patients till they reach a much advanced stage.
As the liver becomes severely damaged, many more obvious and grave symptoms develop. They primarily are:
· Yellowing of the whites of the eye and the skin (jaundice)
· Swelling of the abdomen due to a gradual build-up of fluid called ascites
· Swelling in the feet, ankles and legs due to fluid build-up or oedema
· High fever
· Itchy skin
· hair loss
· Discolored red palms
· Clubbed fingers
· Striking weight loss
· Weakness in the muscles
· Unusual sleep patterns, trouble in sleeping and even insomnia
· Memory problems and confusion due to a build-up of toxins in the brain
· Blood vomit
· Black and tarry stools due to internal bleeding
· Increased sensitivity to alcohol and drugs, as the liver is unable to process them.
· Higher tendency to bruise and bleed, such as frequent nosebleeds and bleeding gums
In case you are suffering from the above symptoms, then you should surely contact a renowned Hepatologist in Delhi immediately. A well-qualified and experienced Hepatologist would be able to efficiently treat the Alcoholic liver disease and help in restoring your liver back to its good health.
