As the name suggests, alcohol-related liver disease, or ARLD for short, is caused by consuming excess amounts of alcohol. Although the early stages of liver disease don’t usually show many warning signs, a health charity shares one “early” sensation that could hold clues.
The charity explains that while the early stages of ARLD don’t usually trigger many warning signs, itching is still considered to be an “early” symptom.
The NHS explains that itchy skin might not be a sign of anything serious but it could also point to problems like cirrhosis.
In case you’re not aware, cirrhosis describes scarring of the liver that’s been caused by long-term liver damage.
Unfortunately, this type of scarring prevents the organ from working properly, the health service explains.
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While itching could be pointing to alcohol-related liver disease, the condition doesn’t always have to cause symptoms.
In fact, the health service explains that alcohol misuse can lead to liver damage without causing any signs.
That’s why it recommends letting your doctor know if you regularly drink alcohol to excess.
Although your liver is able to filter out toxins and regenerate, drinking too much regularly can leave you with permanent problems.
“Prolonged alcohol misuse (drinking too much) over many years can reduce its ability to regenerate,” the NHS reports.
Furthermore, ARLD has become more common in the UK, with the number of patients rising over the last decade.
Although the most effective way of preventing this condition is by quitting drinking, the NHS reminds to at least follow the recommended limits.
In case you’re not aware, men and women shouldn’t regularly drink more than 14 units a week.