Fatty liver disease manifests itself in two main forms, it can be alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Their differences are clear from the name.
Alcohol related liver disease (ARLD) is a condition in which the organ is damaged due to the abuse of alcohol. It is not at all necessary to be dependent on alcohol for this condition to develop, it is enough to drink a little on a regular basis.
The early symptoms of fatty alcoholic liver disease are rather vague:
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent fatigue
- Feeling unwell
- Diarrhea
- General malaise
ARLD often does not cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. If you abuse alcohol, you can have liver damage even if you don't have any of the above symptoms, doctors warn.
As your liver becomes more damaged, the already obvious symptoms may develop:< br>
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
- Bloating (ascites)
- High fever and chills
- Intolerable itching
- Hair loss
- Unusually curved fingertips
- Red palms
- Weight loss
- Weakness and muscle wasting
- Confusion and memory problems, sleep problems
- Vomiting blood from internal bleeding
- Tendency to bleed and bruise
- Increased sensitivity to alcohol and drugs, because the liver cannot process them
Cirrhosis of the liver is the most serious stage of organ damage. One in five heavy drinkers develop cirrhosis, doctors say.
The liver is very resilient and capable of self-healing if you start to lead a healthy lifestyle in time, but sometimes the damage is irreversible. Experts say that excessive drinking even for a few days a week can cause ARLD.
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Symptoms of fatty liver disease: red palms, bloating and other visual signs
Related: If your arms or legs itch at certain times of the day, this may indicate fatty liver disease.
Fatty disease liver: 14 symptoms of irreversible organ damage
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Important! Information provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first sign of illness, consult a doctor.