Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the cases of liver diseases reported. Reports say about 1 in 10 Americans have a type of liver disease. There are different causes of this disease and this alcohol consumption. In 2019, a study said about 43.1 % of people who died of liver disease from ages 12 and above experienced alcohol dependence and abuse. Therefore, the consumption of alcohol can increase the risk of an individual developing liver disease.

What Is Liver Disease?

Liver disease is any condition that damages the organ and makes it unable to function properly. In other words, the liver disease affects the normal performance of the hepatic system. The liver performs a lot of functions that keep the body healthy. Therefore, the whole body is affected when there is a problem with the liver.

What Kind of Disease Is It?

Liver Disease is a type of condition that can result from different causes. About 75% of the liver tissue and cells would have been affected for the organ to decrease its function. Hence the liver will be unable to perform its normal function. After about six months of the onset of the disease, the organ experiences a progressive deterioration of the liver functions. This progressive deterioration is a major characteristic of chronic liver disease.

Causes of Liver Disease

There are different causes of liver disease. Below are some of the causes:

• Viral infections such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C
• Attack from the immune system causing Autoimmune liver disease
• Genetics
• Cancer
• Consumption of too many toxins
• Drug-induced liver diseases
• Chronic alcohol abuse

What Is One of the First Signs of Liver Disease?

There are various symptoms of hepatic disease. However, jaundice is one of liver disease’s first and major signs.

Jaundice is when the skin and the sclera(whitish area) of the eye change to yellow color. A normal liver functions by getting rid of bilirubin. Bilirubin is one of the products of red blood cells when they rupture after their span has expired. However, when the liver is compromised, there is an accumulation of bilirubin which causes the yellow coloration.

What Are the 4 Warning Signs of a Damaged Liver?

Liver disease is a progressive one. At the initial stage, it is possible for an individual to have a damaged liver with no symptoms to show for it. However, there are warning signs that the body presents when the liver is damaged. Below are 4 warning signs of a damaged liver:

• Yellowing of the eyes or skin, which is also called jaundice
• Dark-colored urine
• Pale-colored stool
• Swelling of the legs due to fluid retention

Major Examples of Liver Disease

Liver disease comes in different forms. The different forms are a result of various causes of the problem. Some major examples of liver disease are explained below.

Liver Cirrhosis 

Cirrhosis of the liver is the end-stage result of a damaged hepatic system. It is also referred to as a chronic liver disease.

This condition is caused by other diseases that scar the organ’s tissues. The scarred tissue blocks blood flow to the liver, making the condition life-threatening. There are 4 different stages of liver cirrhosis, which includes stages one to four.

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is a condition resulting from extra fat storage in the liver. Often, it is not a serious problem for most people. However, it can lead to liver damage. Fortunately, it is possible for an individual to prevent this condition or reverse the disease. In some cases, this condition can get the liver inflamed and cause fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

This condition is the accumulation of fat in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. The cause of this condition is unknown. However, some risk factors can predispose an individual to have the disease. The risk factors include obesity, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

This condition is the accumulation of fat in the liver of people who consume large amount of alcohol. The alcohol-related liver disease rarely presents with symptoms. However, it is a major sign that an individual is drinking too much alcohol. Unfortunately, consumption of too much of the substance can lead to alcohol poisoning. Irregular breathing, weakness and loss of consciousness are all alcohol poisoning symptoms.

Symptoms of Alcoholism 

Alcoholism is a major risk factor for having alcohol liver disease. Alcoholism is when an individual cannot control drinking due to dependence on the substance.

• Memory problems
• A feeling of a strong urge to drink alcohol
• Slow heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Vomiting and Nausea
• Poor hygiene
• Loss of appetite
• Seizure

The AspenRidge Recovery Center can help. Our well-designed and planned treatment options help people recover quickly. Contact us 24/7 directly at 855-281-5588.

Should I Stop Drinking at Once When I Am Diagnosed With Liver Disease?

Stopping drinking is one of the major ways of preventing liver diseases from getting worse. However, it is not advisable to stop drinking at once. Sudden stoppage of drinking can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, especially if the individual has been drinking for long. Therefore, the individual should consult a medical practitioner in order to stop drinking.

Autoimmune Liver Disease

Autoimmune liver disease is when the body’s immune system attacks the liver and causes inflammation. This condition is rare, and the cause is unknown. However, it is a serious disease of the liver.

Can Liver Disease Be Cured?

In the early stages of the disease, liver problems can be treated.

The treatment can help to heal the damage and eventually prevent liver failure. However, end-stage liver diseases are not curable but can be managed or replaced through transplants.

Importance of Seeking Help From Recovery Centers

Drinking problems can cause serious problems to major organs, including the liver.

Therefore, a healthy liver is one of the benefits of quitting alcohol. Unfortunately, It is not easy to recover from a drinking problem alone. Therefore, it is important to seek help and get treatment in alcohol rehab. Individuals experiencing drinking problems can get help from treatment centers such as an addiction Rehab.

AspenRidge Recovery center offers treatment for people struggling with drinking problems and alcohol dependence. These people can get help at Colorado alcohol addiction treatment programs. In addition, there are different alcohol treatment options for each individual. For questions, clarifications, and to know more about AspenRidge Recovery, contact us today at 855-281-5588.