Alcohol abuse is caused by alcoholic liver disease (ARLD), which often has no symptoms in its early stages.
The NHS explains that the condition usually only causes symptoms after the liver has been severely damaged and the disease is at an advanced stage. However, according to the British Liver Trust, “early” signs of illness may appear at night.
The charity said sleep disturbance, or insomnia, is an “early” symptom of alcohol-related liver disease.
The British Liver Trust experts note that while the early stages of alcohol-related liver disease usually don’t cause many symptoms, insomnia can be an “early” symptom.
According to the NHS, insomnia can also occur when you start experiencing a buildup of toxins in your brain. Authorities explain that this may indicate an “advanced” form of liver damage.
She added: “When liver damage is severe, more obvious and severe symptoms may appear.”
And the health authority advises to “see a doctor as soon as possible” if you suffer from any symptoms of liver disease.
Other symptoms of liver disease that need to be addressed may include:
Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet due to fluid buildup (oedema)
Bloating of the abdomen caused by accumulation of fluid (ascites)
– High fever and chills
Severe itching of the skin
hair loss
Unusually curved fingertips and nails (lumpy fingers)
Red spots on the palm
Significant weight loss
Muscle weakness and wasting
Confusion, memory and personality changes caused by the accumulation of toxins in the brain.
Black stools and vomiting of blood from internal bleeding
Lighter bleeding and bruising, such as frequent nosebleeds and bleeding gums
Hypersensitivity to alcohol and drugs because the liver cannot process them.
However, alcoholic liver disease does not always result in symptoms, so you should talk to your doctor if you drink excessively.
Source: Express
