You don’t need to be an expert hepatology specialist in Los Angeles like Dr. Siamak Tabib to know that alcohol is terrible for your liver – but if you are suffering from some of its effects, you should give him a call. It’s no secret that alcohol poisoning is detrimental to the liver and contributes to eventual organ failure. Four out of five liver disease deaths are due to an overabundance of alcohol.
What Alcohol Actually Does to Your Liver
But why does this happen? What causes the liver to become so easily damaged by alcoholic drinks? It’s important to understand what alcohol actually does to your liver so you can actively avoid drinking in excess.
The Liver’s Role in the Body
The liver is the body’s garbage filter, taking all the substances you eat and drink and breaking them down. The liver processes most of the alcohol you put in your body, condensing into an even more harmful substance. The leftover bits of alcohol that don’t get digested can travel through your organ and do some serious damage to your liver cells. Over time, this can contribute to the development of liver disease.
Liver Diseases Caused by Alcohol
The liver is always going to be the organ most affected by alcohol consumption. Extensive studies have shown that the liver processes 90% of consumed alcohol in the body. The only alcohol that does not reach the liver is the small amount that leaves the body through sweat, breath, and urine. The liver can be damaged in so many ways, which is why it is crucial to be aware of the following diseases:
- Liver scarring, reducing blood flow and function (cirrhosis)
- Liver inflammation, which leads to disease (hepatitis)
- Extreme inflammation (acute alcoholic hepatitis)
- Liver failure, which leads to death
- Fatty liver, causing fat buildup inside the organ (steatosis
80% of liver diseases that exist are caused by the overconsumption of alcohol. Depending on the type of liver disease you are diagnosed with, you may experience a different set of symptoms from another patient who is also dealing with alcoholic liver issues.
Common Symptoms of Liver Disease
While varying liver diseases can pose unique and specific symptoms, there are many generalized symptoms to be on the lookout for. Those who have a history of abusing alcohol are far more likely to contract these diseases while displaying the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling in the tummy
- Dark-colored urine
- Itchiness all over the skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abnormal stool color
- Jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes)
- Constant fatigue
- Disorientation or confusion
- Fever
- Weakness
- Sudden tendency to bruise easily
If any of these symptoms are becoming prominent, it is clear that substance abuse is at play. It is vital to get in touch with your emergency doctor or your hepatologist immediately to reverse the effects of alcohol poisoning on your liver. Some liver damage can be repaired, and some of the effects of alcohol abuse can be reversed for the betterment of your future health.
Treating Liver Diseases
The most effective – and obvious – way to avoid the symptoms of fatty liver disease is to stop drinking altogether. If you have trouble controlling how much you drink, you may want to invest in a recovery program that can help you significantly reduce your alcohol consumption.
In addition, switching to a healthy diet and exercise routine can work wonders for your liver and all other internal organs. Make sure to stay on top of your hepatitis and pneumonia vaccines to prevent the liver from overworking. Get in touch with Dr. Siamak Tabib and schedule an appointment to learn more about the health of your liver.
Invest in Better Habits Today!
Drinking in excess can lead to illness, permanent liver damage, and even death. No matter how hard it is to stop, taking that one extra drink just isn’t worth it. If you are dealing with constant stomach pain, fatigue, feverishness, or irritability, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your fatty liver specialist in Los Angeles right away. Call us right now to set up a personal consultation!
