How alcohol can affect the liver

Alcohol is ingrained in cultures spanning the globe. Whether it's a champagne toast at a wedding, a cocktails consumed in tribute at a retirement party or beers drank at a stadium tailgate, alcohol features prominently in many celebrations. But alcohol also is consumed outside special occasions, which underscores just how significant a role alcohol plays in modern society.

Though it's widely believed that light alcohol consumption is harmless, medical experts warn that the best way to avoid the ill effects of alcohol consumption is to abstain from alcoholic beverages. That might be easier said than done, but a brief glimpse at how alcohol affects the liver might be enough to compel individuals considering sober living to avoid alcohol.

· Fatty liver: The Mayo Clinic notes that excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to a type of liver problem known as fatty liver disease. It's important to clarify this primarily affects individuals who are considered heavy drinkers, so those who limit their alcohol consumption to one drink or less each day for women or two drinks or less each day for men will not necessarily develop fatty liver disease. But the Mayo Clinic notes that almost all heavy drinkers develop fatty liver. Fatty liver is the earliest stage of alcohol-related liver disease and it is characterized by an excessive buildup of fat in the liver. Though many people do not experience symptoms of fatty liver disease, some may feel mild discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen.

· Alcoholic hepatitis: Alcoholic hepatitis is marked by inflammation and swelling of the liver. Roughly one in three heavy drinkers develops alcoholic hepatitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Alcoholic hepatitis destroys liver cells, and patients may develop a yellowing of the skin known as jaundice. Fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are some additional symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis. Some individuals develop a mild form of alcoholic hepatitis that can persist for years and contribute to extensive liver damage over time. Others experience a sudden onset of alcoholic hepatitis after binge drinking, and this form of the disease can be life-threatening.

· Cirrhosis: The Mayo Clinic estimates that between 10 and 20 percent of heavy drinkers develop cirrhosis. Cirrhosis typically develops after a decade or more of heavy drinking. Cirrhosis scars tissue in the liver and replaces most liver cells, which makes the condition irreversible. It's not uncommon for the liver to experience extensive cirrhosis-related damaged before the condition is even diagnosed. Cirrhosis can cause increased pressure in the liver, and may ultimately cause fatal liver failure or liver cancer.

The role of alcohol in modern society can make it easy to overlook the side effects of regular, heavy alcohol consumption. However, excessive alcohol consumption can cause extensive damage to the liver that often manifests in three notable ways. Individuals concerned about their alcohol consumption are urged to speak with their physicians about safe and effective ways to quit drinking.