Alcohol Accumulation Causes Health Problems

Alcoholism accumulation in the body can lead to many diseases but the most severe alcohol effects can be seen on the liver. We will discuss about the effect on liver in this article.

Cirrhosis is the irreversible replacement of a large amount of normal liver tissue with nonfunctioning scar tissue. It develops because the liver is damaged. Alcoholism and hepatitis are the most common causes of cirrhosis. Symptoms, when they occur, include poor appetite, weight loss and feeling weak, sick and tired.

Liver damage, when repeated or sustained, can result in cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis is the third most common cause of death after heart disorders and cancer among people aged 45 to 65. The scar tissue forms bands throughout the liver, destroying the liver's internal structure and impairing the liver's ability to regenerate itself or function. The liver is less able to do the following:

• Break down waste products made in the body
• Produce enough bile salts, which help the body absorb fats (in disorders of bile excretion)
• Remove toxins
• Process (metabolize) drugs
• Produce proteins that help blood clot (clotting factors) and albumin for holding fluid in blood vessels

Cirrhosis is usually diagnosed based on symptoms, results of the physical examination, and a history of risk factors such as alcoholism. During the physical examination, a doctor may feel a small, firm liver. Occasionally, the doctor feels small lumps (nodules) on the surface of the liver or an enlarged spleen.

Many people with mild cirrhosis have no symptoms and appear to be well for years. About one third never develop symptoms. Others are weak, feel sick and fatigued, have a poor appetite, and lose weight. The tips of the fingers may enlarge (called clubbing). If the flow of bile is chronically blocked, people develop jaundice. One should take proper advice and guidance regarding the treatment of alcoholism.