People who drink
excessively can become malnourished because of the empty calories from
alcohol, reduced appetite, and poor absorption (malabsorptionmalabsorption)
of nutrients in the intestines. Malnutrition contributes to liver
disease.
Other factors that
contribute to the development of alcoholic liver disease:
* Genetic factors
* Personal susceptibility to alcohol-induced liver disease
* Toxicity of alcohol (ethanol) to the liver
Alcoholic liver disease does not affect all heavy drinkers. Women may be
more susceptible than men. It is not necessary to get drunk for the
disease to develop.
symptoms :-
Symptoms vary based on
the severity of the disease. They are usually worse after a recent
period of heavy drinking. Disease changes start in the liver as
inflammation (hepatitis) and lead to fatty liver and cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis is the final phase of alcoholic liver disease.
Symptoms may not be present until the disease is advanced, and may
include:
* Abdominal pain and tendernessAbdominal pain and tenderness
* Dry mouth
* Excessive thirstExcessive thirst
* FatigueFatigue
* FeverFever
* Fluid collection in the abdomen (ascitesascites)
* JaundiceJaundice
* Loss of appetiteLoss of appetite
* Mental confusionconfusion
* NauseaNausea
* Unintentional weight gain (because of fluid collection)
Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:
* Abnormally dark or light skin
* AgitationAgitation
* Bloody, dark black, or tarry bowel movements (melenamelena)
* Breast development in malesBreast development in males
* Changing mood
* Confusion (encephalopathy)
o Changed level of consciousness
o Hallucinations
o Impaired short- or long-term memory
* Difficulty paying attention (attention deficit)
* Impaired ability to concentrate
* Impaired judgment
* Light-headednessLight-headedness or fainting, especially when standing
* PalenessPaleness
* Rapid heart rate (tachycardiatachycardia) when rising to standing
position
* Redness on feet or hands
* Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
* Vomiting bloodVomiting blood or material that looks like coffee
grounds
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