Alcohol-related liver damage (warning signs)

Overview

Fatty liver comes first, then alcoholic hepatitis, then cirrhosis.

Stopping alcohol can let early damage heal.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Yellow skin or swollen belly with heavy drinking
• Red palms
• Spider-like red spots on the chest, neck, or face

Less common

• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Fever
• Easy bruising

Look up a symptom: Yellow skin or eyes

When to get medical care

Causes

Alcohol.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Heavy drinking
• People who drink heavily for years: Highest risk
• Women: Liver damage can happen at lower amounts
• People with hepatitis or obesity: Higher risk

Possible complications

• Cirrhosis

Diagnosis

Blood tests and scans.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Liver tests:

Treatment

Stop drinking with medical help.

Self-care

• Don't stop suddenly after heavy daily drinking without medical advice

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist (liver doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Liver Foundation: Helpline and support groups for liver disease.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women: Liver damage happens with less alcohol.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Early damage can heal.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Is my liver damage reversible?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Alcohol-related liver damage (warning signs)