Alcohol Liver Disease: The Consequences Of Continued Drinking

When individuals with alcoholic liver disease continue to consume alcohol, the effects can vary significantly from person to person. This variation is largely due to differences in the levels of enzymes responsible for metabolizing alcohol in the body. Some individuals possess higher enzyme activity, allowing them to process alcohol more efficiently, which may prevent severe complications from developing. In such cases, the liver may remain in a compensated fatty liver stage for a long time without progressing to more serious conditions.

However, for others with lower enzyme activity, alcohol can cause continuous and progressive damage to liver function. If alcohol consumption persists and accumulates over time, it can lead to acute liver failure, a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of acute liver failure include sudden worsening of jaundice, confusion or altered mental state, internal and mucosal bleeding, and fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity (ascites).

In other cases, liver deterioration may not occur suddenly but develop gradually into chronic liver cirrhosis. Patients may begin to experience symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, reduced albumin levels, and impaired production of clotting factors. These changes often lead to complications associated with portal hypertension.

Portal hypertension can cause a range of clinical manifestations, including an enlarged spleen and overactive spleen function, which may result in decreased white blood cell and platelet counts as seen in blood tests. Additionally, the development of varices in the esophagus and stomach, along with abdominal wall vein dilation, becomes apparent as collateral circulation pathways open up. These vascular changes increase the risk of internal bleeding and require close medical monitoring.

In summary, continuing to drink alcohol with alcoholic liver disease can lead to a spectrum of complications, from stable fatty liver to life-threatening conditions like acute liver failure and cirrhosis-related complications. Early intervention and alcohol cessation are crucial to preventing irreversible liver damage and improving long-term outcomes.