Physical Effects of Drinking
The physical damage incurred due to alcohol abuse is vast. Alcohol has been linked to damage of the liver, pancreas, esophagus,stomach,intestines, heart, arteries, cerebrovascular system and the nervous system.
Liver
The best known and most common effect of alcoholism is liver disease. The liver is an extremely important organ which produces substances that break down fats, converts glucose to glycofen, produces urea, produces certain amino acids, filters harmful substances from the blood - including alcohol, stores vitamins and minerals and maintains the appropriate level of glucose in the blood.
Liver disease caused by alcohol is progressive in nature. The first stage is fat cell accumulation known as hepatic steatosis, the secon is alcoholic hepatitis followed by cirrhosis. Hepatic steatosis and alcoholic hepatitis are reversible, cirrhosis on the other hand, progresses ultimately ending in organ failure.
In addition, excessive drinking can cause hepatic encephalopathy. This condition usually results due to the inability of the liver to metabolize toxic substances. The first indications of this disease are involuntary wrist movements, the second phase is characterized by mental confusion and the last and thrid stage is a deep coma.
Liver disease caused by alcohol is progressive in nature. The first stage is fat cell accumulation known as hepatic steatosis, the secon is alcoholic hepatitis followed by cirrhosis. Hepatic steatosis and alcoholic hepatitis are reversible, cirrhosis on the other hand, progresses ultimately ending in organ failure.
In addition, excessive drinking can cause hepatic encephalopathy. This condition usually results due to the inability of the liver to metabolize toxic substances. The first indications of this disease are involuntary wrist movements, the second phase is characterized by mental confusion and the last and thrid stage is a deep coma.
Pancreas
Alcoholism is one of the major causes of acute and chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition which is described as causing scarring and irreversible destruction of pancreatic tissue.
The main symptons of chronic pancreatitis are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, manifestations related to the loss of functional pancreatic tissue including diabetes and malabsorption.
The main symptons of chronic pancreatitis are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, manifestations related to the loss of functional pancreatic tissue including diabetes and malabsorption.
Esophagus
Excesive consumption of alcohol may develop a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease. This condition can lead to sophagitis which can be described as an inflammation of the esophageal mucosa and more severe acid back flow.
Alcoholism is the main factor cancer of the esophagus.
Alcoholism is the main factor cancer of the esophagus.
Stomach
Alcoholism can cause acute gastritis which can be described as an inflammation of the lining that protect the stomach walls. In addition, it can also cause heartburn, nausea, vomiting and pain the the upper abdominal area.
Chronic gastritis is known as asymptomatic and canlead to anemia and malnutrition.
Chronic gastritis is known as asymptomatic and canlead to anemia and malnutrition.
Intestines
Alcohol abuse also has an effect on the intestines. The main negative impact is the loss of the ability to absorb certain nutrients, some vitamins (A and C), some amino acids, minerals and glucose.
The damage to the intestines is usually not permanent and can disappear in approximately 2 to 6 weeks after the individual stops drinking.
The damage to the intestines is usually not permanent and can disappear in approximately 2 to 6 weeks after the individual stops drinking.
Additional Conditions
In addition to all the above named conditions, alcoholism can also lead to the following:
- Hypertension: this can lead to angina and disturbances in the heart rhythim.
- Cardiomyopathy: This condition can cause chest pain, palpitations, night coughing, abnormal fatigue and cardiac arrest.
- Stroke: Alcoholism increases the risk of death from cerebral hemorrhage.
- Poluneuritis: This is a neurological condition caused by the inflamation of nerves and the breakdown of myelin. Ths is condition is characterized by dysesthesis, cold feet and cramps.
- Optic neuritis: This condition creates a reduction in bilateral visual acuity and difficulty distinguishing colours. This condition is reversible with the assistance of vitamin and cessation of alcohol consumption.
