Sometimes, when a person drinks heavily, they may notice that their skin or eyes have turned yellow. This is one of the most common signs of having jaundice from alcohol and liver damage, which should never be ignored. It indicates that the liver is unable to process bilirubin, which is a yellow pigment formed when red blood cells break down and this leads to its build-up in the body.
At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre, we see many patients who are not aware that their drinking habits have begun to affect their liver. Understanding what causes jaundice from alcohol, its symptoms, and available treatments can help you take control before it can cause serious complications.
What Is Jaundice from Alcohol?
Jaundice from alcohol occurs when long-term alcohol consumption damages liver cells. The damage in the liver cells reduces their ability to filter toxins and process bilirubin. The result is a yellowing of the skin, eyes, and even the tongue. This condition may develop gradually with ongoing swelling in the liver or appear suddenly in cases of acute alcoholic hepatitis.
Alcohol-related liver damage typically progresses through the following three stages:
- Fatty liver (steatosis) – an early stage, which is usually reversible.
- Alcoholic hepatitis – liver swelling leading to jaundice.
- Cirrhosis – permanent scarring and reduced liver function.
Recognising and addressing the signs of jaundice from alcohol on time is important to preventing irreversible damage.
Common Symptoms and Warning Signs
The symptoms of jaundice from alcohol aren’t just about yellow skin. Many people also notice other signs like the ones listed below.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Abdominal pain or swelling.
- Dark urine and pale stools.
- Itchy skin.
- Easy bruising or bleeding.
These signs show that the liver is under pressure and not working as it should. Even mild jaundice should be checked by a doctor to understand how much damage has occurred.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing jaundice from alcohol requires several steps, including blood tests, imaging, and sometimes liver scans. At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre, we use the following tests to check your liver health:
- Liver function tests to assess enzyme levels and bilirubin.
- Ultrasound or FibroScan to check for fatty liver, swelling, or scarring.
- Blood screening for other liver conditions such as viral hepatitis.
Treatment depends on how severe the damage is but always begins by completely stopping the consumption of alcohol. In many early cases, stopping alcohol allows the liver to recover within weeks or months. Nutritional support, hydration, and medicines to reduce inflammation may also be prescribed.
Long-Term Outlook
The good news is that jaundice from alcohol can improve with timely intervention. Early diagnosis and stopping the consumption of alcohol can allow the liver to heal and restore normal function. However, continued drinking may lead to cirrhosis or even liver failure.
The team at Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre offers detailed liver assessments, tailored treatments, and steady support for those with alcohol-related liver problems. Early medical care often leads to faster healing and better long-term health.
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