“Severe alcoholic hepatitis, however, is a serious and life-threatening illness.”
As the liver becomes more severely damaged, more “obvious” symptoms can develop. These may include:
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet caused by a build-up of fluid (oedema)
- Swelling in your abdomen caused by a build-up of fluid known as ascites
- A high temperature (fever) and shivering attacks
- Very itchy skin
- Hair loss
- Unusually curved fingertips and nails (clubbed fingers)
- Blotchy red palms
- Significant weight loss
- Weakness and muscle wasting
- Confusion and memory problems, trouble sleeping (insomnia) and changes in your personality caused by a build-up of toxins in the brain
- Passing black, tarry poo and vomiting blood as a result of internal bleeding
- A tendency to bleed and bruise more easily, such as frequent nosebleeds and bleeding gums
- Increased sensitivity to alcohol because the liver cannot process it.
“If you misuse alcohol, you may have liver damage, even though you have none of the symptoms above,” the health body noted.
A liver function test, arranged by your doctor, helps to diagnose and monitor liver disease, the Mayo Clinic pointed out.