Lena Savoie
Alcohol misuse is one of the most common causes of death in the UK, and can cause damage to the liver, pancreas, heart, peripheral nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) is one of the first signs of damage from alcohol, and occurs when fat begins to build up in the liver, inhibiting the breakdown of fats and causing fat accumulation. The early stages of ARLD often have no symptoms, but can be detected through liver function tests (LFTs) that measure enzyme levels in the liver. Early signs of ARLD include nausea, stomach pain, unintended weight loss, and small dilated blood vessels on the skin that are red and look like spiders. If left untreated, ARLD can lead to alcoholic cirrhosis, which is irreversible.
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What You'll Learn
- Liver damage: nausea, stomach pain, and unintended weight loss
- Weakened immune system: more susceptible to disease and infections
- Cardiomyopathy: long-term heavy drinking weakens the heart muscle
- Peripheral neuropathy: numbness in arms and legs, painful burning in feet
- Gastrointestinal issues: inflammation, bleeding, increased risk of cancer
Liver damage: nausea, stomach pain, and unintended weight loss
Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) refers to liver damage caused by excess alcohol intake. It is one of the most common health issues caused by drinking too much alcohol, which affects not just the liver but the whole body. ARLD usually does not cause any symptoms until the liver has been severely damaged.
One of the first signs of liver damage from alcohol is nausea. Alcoholic hepatitis, a condition caused by alcohol misuse over a long period, can cause inflammation, swelling, and the destruction of liver cells, resulting in fibrosis or liver scarring. Symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. This condition can be mild or severe, and in many cases, stopping alcohol use can reverse it. However, if left untreated, alcoholic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, a severe form of ARLD where the liver becomes significantly scarred, causing it to shrink and harden.
Abdominal pain is another early indicator of liver damage from alcohol. Upper abdominal pain on the right side can occur due to an enlarged liver, which is a common early-stage symptom of ARLD. This stage of ARLD is typically symptom-free, but the enlargement of the liver can cause discomfort and pain.
Unintended weight loss can also be an early warning sign of liver damage from alcohol. Weight loss is one of the symptoms associated with ARLD, indicating that the liver has been severely damaged. This unintended weight loss can be a result of the liver's reduced ability to perform its functions, such as aiding digestion and filtering toxins from the blood.
It is important to note that ARLD is preventable and treatable. Abstaining from alcohol is the most critical step to take following concerns about ARLD or an ALD diagnosis. Even one drink can be detrimental, and alcohol avoidance is the best way to possibly reverse liver damage and prevent further liver disease. Seeking support from local alcohol addiction services and medical professionals is crucial for those who find it challenging to stop drinking.
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Weakened immune system: more susceptible to disease and infections
Drinking alcohol, especially in large quantities, can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to diseases and infections. Alcohol affects the immune system by decreasing the number and function of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections. Even a single episode of binge drinking can lower your body's ability to fight infections for up to 24 hours. The negative impact of alcohol on the immune system can increase the risk of various illnesses, including certain cancers, pneumonia, and other respiratory problems. Additionally, a weakened immune system can lead to complications after surgery and poor recovery from injuries.
The gut microbiome, home to trillions of microorganisms that support the immune system, is also altered by alcohol consumption. This disruption can affect the ability of these microorganisms to defend against harmful bacteria and viruses. Alcohol can also damage the epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of colorectal cancer.
The impact of alcohol on the immune system is not immediate, and it can take time for the body to show signs of weakened immunity. However, some of the early indicators of potential alcohol-related damage to the immune system may include increased susceptibility to frequent infections, longer recovery periods from illnesses or injuries, and a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers.
To maintain a healthy immune system, it is crucial to refrain from excessive alcohol consumption. Moderate alcohol consumption, defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, is generally considered safe and is unlikely to have a significant negative impact on the immune system. However, individuals with alcohol use disorder may find it challenging to limit their alcohol intake, even when it negatively affects their health.
If you are concerned about the impact of alcohol on your immune system, consider reducing your alcohol intake or abstaining from drinking altogether. Improving your overall health and strengthening your immune system can be achieved by seeking professional help and support.
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Cardiomyopathy: long-term heavy drinking weakens the heart muscle
Alcohol misuse can have a detrimental effect on the heart. Research has shown that long-term heavy drinking weakens the heart muscle, leading to a condition known as alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM). This condition is characterised by the heart's inability to pump blood efficiently, resulting in heart failure. ACM is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy, primarily caused by chronic alcohol consumption.
The symptoms of ACM are similar to those of other types of cardiomyopathy. One of the signs is a phenomenon known as third spacing, which occurs when the heart fails to pump blood effectively, causing fluid to pool in the veins. This fluid eventually moves into the interstitial space, resulting in swelling. Doctors may test for pitting edema by pressing on the swollen area to check for indentations.
Another complication of ACM is arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms. These abnormal heart rhythms can vary in severity and may manifest as palpitations, dizziness, or even loss of consciousness. In severe cases, arrhythmias can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, a life-threatening emergency. Treatment for ACM involves lifestyle modifications, including abstinence from alcohol, a low-sodium diet, and fluid restriction. Medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics may also be prescribed to reduce strain on the heart.
The causal relationship between alcohol consumption and ACM remains somewhat unclear. Some studies suggest that increasing alcohol intake from light to moderate or heavy levels increases the risk of heart failure. However, other longitudinal studies have paradoxically found a decrease in dilated cardiomyopathy with modest-to-moderate alcohol consumption. Nonetheless, the American Heart Association (AHA) considers alcohol to be one of the leading causes of dilated cardiomyopathy.
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Peripheral neuropathy: numbness in arms and legs, painful burning in feet
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that commonly occurs in people with severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) and can cause numbness in the arms and legs and painful burning in the feet. This happens when nerves can't send or relay sensory signals, resulting in the loss of specific types of sensations. For example, you might pick up an ice-cold can of soda but not feel its smoothness or temperature, or you might not be able to feel the texture of a carpet or the temperature of the floor through your feet. This loss of sensation can make it difficult to determine where your feet are when moving, leading to a loss of balance and an increased risk of falling.
The peripheral nervous system, which comprises the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, carries motor signals or commands from the brain to the muscles, enabling movement. When peripheral neuropathy develops, the loss of nerve connections to the brain and muscle weakness can cause paralysis, making it difficult to move the toes, leading to foot drop, and causing hand weakness. This muscle weakness often starts in the feet and moves up the body, affecting the thighs, arms, and other areas. In some cases, muscle atrophy may occur, with muscles shrinking in size and weakening, particularly in the feet, lower legs, and hands.
Excessive and long-term alcohol intake is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy, as it can damage nerves and contribute to vitamin deficiencies that lead to this condition. Alcohol use disorder is characterised by an inability to stop drinking despite negative consequences, craving beverages containing alcohol, and drinking more or for longer periods than intended. It can lead to physical issues such as withdrawal symptoms and behavioural changes, including impaired mood and coordination, increased risk of stroke, and weakened immune system function.
The treatment of peripheral neuropathy focuses on managing pain and improving muscle strength and control. While medicines can help reduce pain, they usually cannot restore the loss of feeling. Talk therapy can help individuals understand how pain is affecting their lives and develop coping strategies. Additionally, physical therapy may be beneficial for balance issues and falling due to neuropathy. It is crucial to address alcohol use disorder and stop drinking to prevent further nerve damage and health complications.
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Gastrointestinal issues: inflammation, bleeding, increased risk of cancer
Alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and an increased risk of cancer. Here are some detailed explanations of these gastrointestinal issues:
Inflammation
Alcohol consumption can promote inflammation within and beyond the gastrointestinal (GI) system. This inflammation can lead to conditions such as alcoholic hepatitis, which is the inflammation of the liver. Alcoholic hepatitis can range from mild to severe and typically develops more suddenly compared to long-term conditions like alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
Bleeding
Excessive alcohol intake can damage the epithelial lining of the GI tract, which can result in GI bleeding. This damage to the epithelial lining can also increase the risk of other health issues.
Increased Risk of Cancer
Drinking alcohol can contribute to a "leaky gut," allowing the intestines to permit toxins and other harmful substances into the body. This disruption to the gut can alter the composition of the microbiota in the GI tract. Additionally, alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of colorectal, esophageal, and oral cavity cancers. The process of breaking down alcohol in the liver can also create substances that damage the liver, leading to alcohol-related liver disease.
It is important to note that the effects of alcohol on the body are not limited to the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Alcohol misuse can impact the brain, peripheral nervous system, cardiovascular system, and immune system. Excessive alcohol consumption, whether on a single occasion or over time, can have serious short-term and long-term health consequences.
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