Alcoholic Liver Disease Symptoms and What You Need to Know

Alcoholic liver disease typically develops in individuals with a long history of heavy alcohol consumption. For a diagnosis, men usually consume more than 40g of alcohol per day and women more than 20g, over a period of at least five years. Chronic alcohol use significantly stresses the liver, impairing its ability to function properly.

As people age, organ functions, including the liver's capacity to regenerate and detoxify, begin to decline. This makes older adults more susceptible to liver damage from alcohol or medications. It's therefore crucial for the elderly to drink in moderation and avoid long-term or excessive alcohol use.

When liver damage occurs, individuals may experience symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia, and malnutrition. Alcohol is high in empty calories, which can lead to poor dietary habits. This often results in deficiencies in essential nutrients like folate and vitamin B12. These deficiencies can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition where the body produces abnormally large, immature red blood cells.

In addition to systemic symptoms, physical signs such as palmar erythema (liver palms) and spider angiomas (spider moles) are commonly observed in patients with alcoholic liver disease. As the condition progresses to cirrhosis, signs of liver decompensation may appear. These include jaundice, ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), gastrointestinal bleeding, and frequent infections. Patients may also experience fever, cough, and hepatic encephalopathy — a decline in brain function due to liver failure.

Some individuals may develop pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs), and in severe cases, cirrhosis can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Regular liver screenings, such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, are highly recommended for early detection and management.

Understanding these symptoms and risk factors is key to early intervention and improved outcomes for those affected by alcoholic liver disease.