Continuous alcohol consumption damages several organs of the body, but its greatest impact is on the liver. People often wonder how many years of drinking it takes before the liver begins to fail. According to health experts, there is no fixed timeline. It depends on the amount of alcohol consumed, regularity of drinking, age, weight, diet and pre-existing illnesses. In some people, liver damage can occur in a shorter period as well.
Damage can begin within days
According to experts, drinking very large amounts of alcohol can cause fat to start accumulating in the liver within just a few days. This is called alcoholic fatty liver. In the initial stage, there are often no clear symptoms. If drinking continues, the liver may develop inflammation, known as alcoholic hepatitis, and later serious conditions such as fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Risk of cirrhosis after 10 years or more
Among people who drink excessively for a long time, liver cirrhosis can generally develop after 10 years or more. However, in some people the disease may occur earlier. The risk may be higher among women, people with obesity and those with diabetes or pre-existing liver disease.
Symptoms that should not be ignored
Persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and swelling in the legs or abdomen may be signs of liver disease. In severe cases, vomiting blood or confusion may also occur.
Liver tests and staying away from alcohol are important
Doctors may advise LFT, ultrasound and, if required, a FibroScan to assess the condition of the liver. In early fatty liver, improvement is possible after giving up alcohol, while damage caused by cirrhosis often does not fully heal. According to experts, the most effective way to protect the liver is to avoid alcohol.
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