Chronic alcoholism is a highly prevalent and disabling condition, characterized by high rates of morbidity as well as early mortality due to excessive ethanol consumption.
Presentation
The clinical spectrum of chronic alcoholism is an unusual paradox for clinicians. Alcohol use in humans has continued for millennia and moderate amounts of ethanol consumption may actually improve health. However, a subset of drinkers may develop catastrophic complications affecting a multitude of organ systems in the body [1].
Alcohol use, when excessive or chronic, may lead to a variety of adverse effects including and not limited to hepatic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, neurological injuries, increased risk for malignancies and unintentional accidents. Moderate alcohol intake is to be avoided if it puts the patient at risk (e.g. while driving a car, during pregnancy etc.). Binge drinking and alcohol abuse are amongst the commonest causes of preventable death in the world.
Light-to-moderate alcohol intake is associated with a decreased incidence of coronary heart disease, while heavy drinking may be a precursor for cardiomyopathy. Also, high levels of alcohol use are associated with an elevated risk of developing hepatitis and cirrhosis, especially in males [2].
Alcohol use has been linked with an increased risk for multiple cancers, with many studies confirming the association between alcoholism and breast, esophageal, oropharyngeal, laryngeal, colorectal, and hepatocellular malignancies.
Alcoholism also predisposes to both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Osteoporosis and falls leading to fractures of the hip are more common in alcoholic patients.
Fetal alcohol syndrome, which presents with features such as neurological dysfunction, growth retardation, and characteristic facies, is associated with heavy alcohol use in pregnant women [3] [4].
Chronic alcoholism is also implicated in increased morbidity and mortality from trauma, suicide, and other violent episodes.
Entire Body System
- Anemia
HEME – Megaloblastic anemia from folate deficiency. Alcoholism can also cause mild macrocytosis independent of folate deficiency, due to a direct effect on the bone marrow (common: ~90% of alcoholics have MCV of 100-110 even before anemia develops. [errolozdalga.com]
IN 1958, Zieve described a syndrome consisting of transient hyperlipemia, jaundice and hemolytic anemia occurring in patients with alcoholic fatty liver and cirrhosis.1 Other observers have collected examples of this condition. [jamanetwork.com]
Anemia Excessive alcohol use can affect the hematologic system, which is made up of the blood, spleen, bone marrow, and the liver. It can cause your red blood cell count to be abnormally low, which is a condition called anemia. [onhealth.com]
[…] pancreatitis Cardiovascular system: Holiday heart syndromes Dilatative cardiomyopathy caused by alcoholism Arterial hypertension Apoplexy Coronary heart disease Metabolism : Hypertriglyceridemia Hyperuricemia Hypoglycemia Porphyria cutanea tarda Hyperchromic anemia [flexikon.doccheck.com]
- Malnutrition
A 42-year-old man with a history of Billroth II-gastrectomy, chronic alcoholism, and malnutrition developed acute tetraparesis, two days before admission. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
This leads to malnutrition. Malnutrition causes significant short- and long-term consequences to a person’s immune system, the ability for numerous organs to function properly, as well as their physical appearance. [crchealth.com]
- Weight Loss
Symptoms of the disease include anorexia, diarrhea, weight loss, neurologic and psychiatric disturbances (most notably depression), and fatty deterioration of the liver, sometimes leading to cirrhosis. [longdom.org]
The first had been admitted with confusion and weight loss, the second with hypotension and sepsis, and the third with confusion and hypoglycaemia-induced seizures. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Epilepsy
Some epilepsy medications may make you more sensitive to the effects of alcohol, and alcohol may interfere with some medications used to treat epilepsy. 8. Gout Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints. [onhealth.com]
Rakta(Gouty Arthritis), Pradara, Udara, Unmada(Mental disorders), Visarpa(Erysipelas), Weakness, Arshas(Piles), Prameha(Diabetics), Pain in Bladder(Vasti Shoola), Oedema(Sopha) Inflammation, Kushta(Skin Disorders), Chronic Fever(Jeerna Jwara), Apasmara(Epilepsy [liveayurvedalife.com]
Seizures Heavy drinking can cause epilepsy and can trigger seizures even in people who don't have epilepsy. It can also interfere with the action of the medications used to treat convulsions. [webmd.com]
- Hypothermia
[…] blood-acetone in acute poisoning and alcoholism deaths such as chronic tolerance, alcohol-related organ and tissue damage (cirrhosis, pancreatitis), positional asphyxia or suffocation by inhalation of vomit, exposure to cold coupled with alcohol-induced hypothermia [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Low body temperature, or hypothermia. Unconsciousness. Seizures. It is extremely important to call 911 if you feel a person is experiencing alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning can cause permanent brain damage and even death. [alcohol.org]
Respiratoric
- Hyposmia
Alcohol-related brain damage manifests clinically as cognitive dysfunction and the loss of smell sensation (hyposmia) and pathologically as generalized white matter atrophy and focal neuronal loss. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Gastrointestinal
- Nausea
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen alcoholics without liver failure or serious illness and presenting symptoms of dyspepsia, nausea or diarrhea were included. The (13)C-D-xylose breath test was performed in 14 of the included subjects. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Constant pain in the stomach and right upper quadrant, indigestion, nausea, vomiting after eating, enlarged liver, poor pancreas work are also true signs of the chronic form of alcoholism. [tadalafilgen.com]
Physical signs of alcohol overconsumption and intoxication are recognizable by most adults: Slurred or incoherent speech Poor balance and clumsiness Delayed reflexes Stomach pains, vomiting or nausea Loss of consciousness or blacking-out Redness of the [timberlineknolls.com]
Pain “Pins and needles” Numbness Muscle weakness, cramps, or aches Muscle spasms / contractions Tingling Constipation Diarrhea Incontinence (leaking urine) or difficulty with urination Impotence in men Nausea / vomiting Evaluation & Tests (Not all evaluation [foundationforpn.org]
- Vomiting
This type of Chardi again is of 5 sub-types, they are – Vataja Chardi – Vomiting caused by vitiated Vata Pittaja Chardi – Vomiting caused by vitiated Pitta Kaphaja Chardi – Vomiting caused by vitiated Kapha Sannipataja Chardi – Vomiting caused by vitiation [easyayurveda.com]
Constant pain in the stomach and right upper quadrant, indigestion, nausea, vomiting after eating, enlarged liver, poor pancreas work are also true signs of the chronic form of alcoholism. [tadalafilgen.com]
[…] explanations for the differences in blood-ethanol and blood-acetone in acute poisoning and alcoholism deaths such as chronic tolerance, alcohol-related organ and tissue damage (cirrhosis, pancreatitis), positional asphyxia or suffocation by inhalation of vomit [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
In the stomach, it may cause lesions ranging from gastritis to acute ulceration and frank haemorrhage.[10] The lesions that are seen in the oesophagus may be the result of chronic vomiting. [bhj.org.in]
Symptoms include vomiting blood, black stool, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate and massive hemorrhage. [livestrong.com]
- Diarrhea
OBJECTIVE: Diarrhea, weight loss and osteoporosis are prominent symptoms and clinical signs of alcoholism. One of several possible factors causing this clinical picture is small intestinal damage leading to malabsorption. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Symptoms of the disease include anorexia, diarrhea, weight loss, neurologic and psychiatric disturbances (most notably depression), and fatty deterioration of the liver, sometimes leading to cirrhosis. [longdom.org]
He had diarrhea for one week, Pain in the left lower portion of the chest, and mild cough. He had from eight to 12 watery, dark brown bowel movements a day. The chest pain and cough subsided two days after onset. [jamanetwork.com]
- Abdominal Pain
Haug Browse recently published Learning/CME Learning/CME View all learning/CME CME Partial Oral versus Intravenous Antibiotic Treatment of Endocarditis Case 4-2019: An 18-Year-Old Man with Abdominal Pain and Hematochezia Bridging the Gap Challenge Yourself [nejm.org]
[…] distension Abdominal pain Acid erruption Acidity Acute disc prolapse Adhmana Adhya vata Agnimandya Ajirna Ajirna janya sula Ajirna janya udarasula Ajirna janya upadravas Ajirna janya vishucika Akshepaka vyadi Ama visha sanjaya Amadosha Amatisara Amavata [ayushvedah.com]
If you have liver disease, you may get tired easily, have shortness of breath, and have severe abdominal pain. These are things that might limit what kind of work you can perform. [disabilitysecrets.com]
Chronic pancreatitis interferes with the digestive process, causing severe abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea --and "it's not fixable," Saitz says. [webmd.com]
- Loss of Appetite
[…] of appetite Low digestive fire Madatyaya Madhumeha Mahodara Malabandha Malabrorption syndrome Malarodha Mandagni Mental diorders Mental disorders Mukha roga Mutra asmari Mutra vibandha Mutraghata Mutrakrchra Nasa vikara Nausea Nervous diarrhoea Netra [ayushvedah.com]
Low energy Loss of appetite Stomach pain Nausea Appearance of small, spider-like blood vessels on the skin Fluid buildup in the legs and abdomen Yellow skin Red palms Bruising Difficulty thinking Impotence or shrinking testicles in men Symptoms may appear [drugrehab.com]
Bitters are also useful for their role in symptomatic relief of nausea, gastro-intestinal reflux, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, constipation and loss of appetite [ 20 ]. [esciencecentral.org]
The late-stage alcoholic should see a physician immediately if he or she suffers from: Shortness of breath Swelling of the feet, legs, and ankles Fatigue Weakness Dizziness or fainting Loss of appetite A weak or irregular pulse Alcoholic cardiomyopathy [ashwoodrecovery.com]
[…] of interest in personal appearance or hygiene, marital and economic problems, and the complaint of poor health, with loss of appetite, respiratory infections, or increased anxiety.[31] Physical Short-term effects Drinking enough to cause a blood alcohol [en.wikipedia.org]
Jaw & Teeth
- Poor Oral Hygiene
Signs of vitamin deficiency Oral changes due to chronic alcohol use Changes found in the mouth often relate to nutritional deficiency or poor oral hygiene. [dermnetnz.org]
When they attend clinic, they have a poor oral hygiene with deposits of plaque and calculi along with a coated tongue. [bhj.org.in]
Liver, Gall & Pancreas
- Jaundice
IN 1958, Zieve described a syndrome consisting of transient hyperlipemia, jaundice and hemolytic anemia occurring in patients with alcoholic fatty liver and cirrhosis.1 Other observers have collected examples of this condition. [jamanetwork.com]
Jaundice The skin and sclera of the eyes often turn yellow in patients with alcoholic liver disease. The colour, known as jaundice, is due to bilirubin, a product broken down from haem derived from red blood cells. [dermnetnz.org]
Indications:- Amla Pitta(Heart Burn), Pandu(Anaemia), Kamala(Jaundice), Dushta Vrana(Chronic Wound Ulcer), Krumi(Worm Infestation), Vata Rakta(Gouty Arthritis), Pradara, Udara, Unmada(Mental disorders), Visarpa(Erysipelas), Weakness, Arshas(Piles), Prameha [liveayurvedalife.com]
Contact a treatment expert at (855) 826-4464 Early Signs of Liver Disease From Alcoholism In the end-stages of alcoholism, there are noticeable health conditions like jaundice from liver failure that can get the attention of the individual suffering. [addictioncenter.com]
Rarely, patients with fatty liver or cirrhosis present with Zieve syndrome (hyperlipidemia, hemolytic anemia, and jaundice). [merckmanuals.com]
- Hepatomegaly
Hepatomegaly (in chronic alcoholic liver disease the liver is shrunken). Ascites; gonadal atrophy. Atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy. [patient.info]
Characteristic ultrasonographic findings include a hyperechoic liver with or without hepatomegaly. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can readily detect cirrhosis. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
Most patients with moderate disease are undernourished and present with fatigue, fever, jaundice, right upper quadrant pain, tender hepatomegaly, and sometimes a hepatic bruit. [merckmanuals.com]
Cardiovascular
- Hypertension
CONCLUSIONS: The presence of dilated cardiomyopathy, of either alcoholic or hypertensive origin, is related to an increase in myocardial superoxide dismutase activity. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Portal hypertension may lead to intrapulmonary arteriovenous shunting with hypoxemia (hepatopulmonary syndrome), which may cause cyanosis and nail clubbing. [merckmanuals.com]
Portal hypertension results in an elevation in pressure throughout the vascular tree above the portal vein. [hopkinsmedicine.org]
- Tachycardia
Mild pyrexia, tachycardia and hypertension. Sweating, nausea and retching. Seizures. Auditory and visual hallucinations. [patient.info]
Clonidine, the oldest alpha-2-agonist, given orally or transdermally has proved successful in reducing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, particularly hypertension and tachycardia, in patients with mild-to-moderate withdrawal. [merckmanuals.com]
ALDH deficiency increases the levels of acetaldehyde formed in the body, leading to facial flushing, tachycardia and nausea. [esciencecentral.org]
View/Print Table TABLE 1 Indicators of Possible Problem Drinking or Alcoholism Symptoms Recurrent intoxication, nausea, sweating, tachycardia Amnesic episodes (blackouts) Mood swings, depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic fatigue Grand mal seizures, [aafp.org]
Skin
- Sweating
In the event of discontinuation of alcohol drinking, the patient exhibits anxiety, anger, sweating, nausea, headaches, limb tremor, in the most severe cases, hallucinations and cardiac arrhythmia may occur. [tadalafilgen.com]
The symptoms following are common of chronic alcohol addiction: Body tremors and convulsions Excessive sweating Extreme anxiety disorders Seizures Auditory & visual hallucinations Liver disease Heart failure Permanent brain damage Osteoporosis Erectile [harborvillageflorida.com]
Sweating, nausea and retching. Seizures. Auditory and visual hallucinations. [patient.info]
Alcoholism withdrawal symptoms indicate advanced addictive disease, and should not be dismissed: Tremors, convulsions, or uncontrolled shaking of the hands (or even the entire body) Profuse sweating, even in cold conditions Extreme agitation or anxiety [timberlineknolls.com]
Signs and symptoms include sweating, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, problems sleeping, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, restlessness and agitation, anxiety, and occasionally seizures. [mayoclinic.org]
- Flushing
Flushing Transient flushing is also a common side effect of alcohol, particularly in heavy drinkers. It is due to acetaldehyde, the main breakdown product of alcohol. Acetaldehyde is thought to cause flushing by stimulating release of histamine. [dermnetnz.org]
Liver Damage Alcohol is a toxin, and it’s your liver’s job to flush it out of your body. But your liver may not be able to keep up if you drink too much too fast. Alcohol can kill liver cells, and lead to scarring called cirrhosis. [webmd.com]
Asians, who have lower levels of ALDH, are more susceptible to toxic acetaldehyde effects (eg, flushing); the effects are similar to those of disulfiram, which inhibits ALDH. [merckmanuals.com]
ALDH deficiency increases the levels of acetaldehyde formed in the body, leading to facial flushing, tachycardia and nausea. [esciencecentral.org]
Face, Head & Neck
- Facial Redness
Vascular effects of alcohol Facial redness One of the earliest signs of alcohol abuse is a persistently red face due to enlarged blood vessels (telangiectasia). [dermnetnz.org]
Psychiatrical
- Denial
This symptom, called denial, is almost always present in the disease of alcoholism. See alcoholic denial. Later, difficulties in relationships, on the job, or with the law often occur. [healthyplace.com]
It is characterized by impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial. Each of these symptoms may be continuous or periodic. [medvik.cz]
Denial is one of the main reasons why millions of people do not receive treatment for alcoholism. Some individuals will try to rationalize their drinking behaviors. For instance, you may blame other people or certain circumstances for your drinking. [alcoholrehabguide.org]
ALCOHOL USE DISORDER (Alcoholism) Prediction: Episodic/Chronic For Years Occupational-Economic: Causes academic and/or vocational impairment Economic problems caused by squandering money or alcohol-related unemployment Wisdom vs Irrationality : Marked denial [mentalhealth.com]
If someone you love is drinking more than they should, they may be in denial. Educate yourself on some of the misconceptions surrounding alcohol abuse: Myth: Alcohol is not physically addictive. [addictions.com]
- Mood Swings
Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse are: Experiencing temporary blackouts or short-term memory loss Exhibiting signs of irritability and extreme mood swings Making excuses for drinking such as to relax, deal with stress or feel normal Choosing [alcoholrehabguide.org]
Mood swings, depression and feelings of guilt and shame are common. By this stage, their drinking is taking an obvious physical toll as well. They may appear red in the face or look bloated and generally unwell. [drugrehab.com]
The most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include: Shakiness, tremors or Delirium tremens Anxiety Irritability Depression Fatigue Mood swings Bad dreams or nightmares Headaches Nausea and vomiting Sweats, cold, clammy skin Insomnia or trouble sleeping [addictions.com]
Mood swings. Reduced core body temperature. Raised blood pressure. Passing out. Vomiting. Long-Term Effects Of Alcohol Drinking too much over time can cause chronic physical and mental health issues. [alcohol.org]
View/Print Table TABLE 1 Indicators of Possible Problem Drinking or Alcoholism Symptoms Recurrent intoxication, nausea, sweating, tachycardia Amnesic episodes (blackouts) Mood swings, depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic fatigue Grand mal seizures, [aafp.org]
- Loss of Libido
[…] of libido and impotence in men due to testosterone deficiency Oligorrhea / amenorrhea in women due to estrogene deficiency Pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome Pregnancy: Alcohol embryopathy Higher incidence of malign diseases In addition, often nicotine abuse [flexikon.doccheck.com]
[…] of libido, testicular atrophy, impaired fertility and reduced facial hair, high oestrogen levels with gynaecomastia, change in fat distribution and loss of body hair Oesophagus: ulcer, varices, cancer Liver: hepatitis, cirrhosis, gall stones CNS: dementia [dermnetnz.org]
- Suicidal Depression
Alcoholism can increase thoughts of suicide, depression, and cause people to behave irrationally. Some who are prone to violence may get into fights or engage in gun violence. [morningsiderecovery.com]
- Chronic Anxiety
These co-disorders include liver damage, heart failure, cancers, chronic anxiety, depression, and permanent brain damage. [harborvillageflorida.com]
Urogenital
- Sexual Dysfunction
dysfunction F10.182 Alcohol abuse with alcohol-induced sleep disorder F10.188 Alcohol abuse with other alcohol-induced disorder F10.19 …… with unspecified alcohol-induced disorder F10.2 Alcohol dependence F10.20 …… uncomplicated F10.22 Alcohol dependence [icd10data.com]
This imbalance leads to sexual dysfunction as well as enlarged breasts for men, and interruptions in the menstrual cycle and inability to conceive for women. [searidgealcoholrehab.com]
Men may develop erectile dysfunction and decreased testosterone levels. [mentalhealth.com]
dysfunction, and can eventually be fatal. [en.wikipedia.org]
Neurologic
- Seizure
Report of a case of SESA syndrome: a rare CNS complication of chronic alcoholism, known since 1981 and characterized by epileptic seizures, multiple and reversible neurological deficits, as well as PLEDs in the EEG. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Seizures Heavy drinking can cause seizures (sometimes called "rum fits"), even if the drinker is not an epileptic. But the SSA will evaluate this condition on its epilepsy listing. For more information, see our article on disability and seizures. [disabilitysecrets.com]
- Confusion
The first had been admitted with confusion and weight loss, the second with hypotension and sepsis, and the third with confusion and hypoglycaemia-induced seizures. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
A study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol may clear up some of this confusion. Here, researchers examined people who had been admitted to a community program for alcoholism treatment. [altamirarecovery.com]
Confusion also takes several months to clear up. As confusion clears, the severe memory problems associated with Korsakoff syndrome may become more noticeable. [alz.org]
- Tremor
Tremor frequency was significantly greater in the alcoholics than in essential tremor. Propranolol therapy decreased tremor more in the alcoholics than in essential tremor. The tremor of chronic alcoholism differs from essential tremor. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Propranolol therapy decreased tremor more in the alcoholics than in essential tremor. The tremor of chronic alcoholism differs from essential tremor. © 1985 by Modern Medicine Publications, Inc. [neurology.org]
In the event of discontinuation of alcohol drinking, the patient exhibits anxiety, anger, sweating, nausea, headaches, limb tremor, in the most severe cases, hallucinations and cardiac arrhythmia may occur. [tadalafilgen.com]
"In animal experiments, when the magnesium in the blood is decreased, tremors occur similar to delirium tremens ... magnesium is an important part of every cell in the body. [mgwater.com]
- Irritability
[…] work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability [merriam-webster.com]
The allergic reaction to alcohol is an irritation of the cells of the brain, causing them to weep. [eskimo.com]
But alcohol also can be a gastric irritant and cause nausea, cramping and diarrhea, which can lead to bloating and abdominal discomfort. [redeyechicago.com]
Hepatitis Hiatus hernia Hidma Hikka Hoarseness of voice Hrdroga Hrdruja Hrllasa Hyper acidity Hyper cholesterolemia Hyper cholestrol Hypo thyroidism Indigestion Infantile diarrhoea Inflammation in piles Intestinal parasites Intestinal visha janya diseases Irritable [ayushvedah.com]
Alcoholic Gastritis Acute intake of large amounts of alcohol – so-called binge drinking – irritates your stomach wall and sometimes initiates bleeding. [livestrong.com]
- Headache
Painful Micturition), Vomiting, Weakness due to Old age, Madatyaya, Visuchika, Jirna Hrdroga(Heart Disease of Chronic Onset), Mutra Daha(Burning Sensation while Micturition), Nasa Roga(Disease Pertaining to Nose), Netra Daha(Burning Sensation in Eyes), Headache [liveayurvedalife.com]
In the event of discontinuation of alcohol drinking, the patient exhibits anxiety, anger, sweating, nausea, headaches, limb tremor, in the most severe cases, hallucinations and cardiac arrhythmia may occur. [tadalafilgen.com]
The symptoms of acute alcoholism are headache, tiredness, hangover, anxiety, and other physical signs. [epainassist.com]
Health problems due to alcohol Alcohol intoxication Effects of alcohol intoxication include: Heart: slow heart rate or irregular rhythm, low blood pressure CNS: headache, confusion, memory loss, disorientation, poor coordination, emotional lability Gastrointestinal [dermnetnz.org]
The immediate neurological problems that may result from a period of heavy drinking are trouble sleeping and headaches. [searidgealcoholrehab.com]
Workup
The diagnosis of chronic alcoholism is made primarily by a proper evaluation of the patient’s history. Physical examination findings may only be evident once the patient has suffered serious consequences of chronic alcoholism. The laboratory tests for detecting heavy alcohol use have a low sensitivity. Thus, an early diagnosis can be made by taking a careful history of the individual and the deleterious effects of alcoholism may be avoided.
Alcohol biomarkers may be used to determine the presence of heavy alcohol use [5]. Indirect alcohol biomarkers reflect the adverse effects of alcohol on the various organ systems, while the direct alcohol biomarkers include alcohol and its metabolites.
Alcohol is a common cause of macrocytosis, with a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 100-110 fL seen in a majority of patients. The serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) may be abnormal. A higher elevation of AST compared with an elevation of ALT is characteristic of alcoholic hepatitis. Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) levels are also elevated [6] [7]. Other indirect biomarkers include salsolinol, total serum sialic acid (TSA), 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL), and N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase (Beta-Hex).
A serum alcohol level during the routine examination greater than 100 mg/dL is a reliable indicator of chronic alcoholism. The other direct biomarkers include ethyl glucuronide (EtG), acetaldehyde, phosphatidylethanol, and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) [8] [9].
X-Ray
- Pancreatic Calcification
Unlike recurrent acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis is characterised by reduced pancreatic exocrine function, malabsorption, diabetes, and pancreatic calcifications. [bestpractice.bmj.com]
Serum
- Hypoglycemia
Alcoholism & Hypoglycemia Alcoholism is the enhanced consumption of ethanol (> 120ml/day) and hypoglycemia is a condition where there is decreased blood glucose levels ( [ 7 ]. [pubs.sciepub.com]
[…] chronic tolerance, alcohol-related organ and tissue damage (cirrhosis, pancreatitis), positional asphyxia or suffocation by inhalation of vomit, exposure to cold coupled with alcohol-induced hypothermia, as well as various metabolic disturbances such as hypoglycemia [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Alcohol can also cause hypoglycemia in alcoholics. [errolozdalga.com]
IN recent years the relation of the chronic ingestion of large amounts of alcoholic beverages to myocardial disease 1 2 3 4 and to hypoglycemia 5 6 7 8 has been well established. [nejm.org]
Acute pancreatitis Chronic calcifying pancreatitis Cardiovascular system: Holiday heart syndromes Dilatative cardiomyopathy caused by alcoholism Arterial hypertension Apoplexy Coronary heart disease Metabolism : Hypertriglyceridemia Hyperuricemia Hypoglycemia [flexikon.doccheck.com]
- Thrombocytopenia
Leukopenia and Thrombocytopenia due to direct bone marrow effect, but also from cirrhosis/splenomegaly. ENDOCRINE – Cirrhosis leading to gynecomastia and testicular atrophy, amenorrhea/infertility. Alcohol can also cause hypoglycemia in alcoholics. [errolozdalga.com]
In chronic alcoholism, macrocytosis, thrombocytopenia, prolonged PT, elevated GGT, hyperuricaemia or hypertriglyceridaemia may be found. [rcpa.edu.au]
[…] dependence, severe use Alcohol myopathy Alcoholic myopathy Alcoholism, chronic, continuous Alcoholism, chronic, episodic Cerebral degeneration due to alcoholism Continuous chronic alcoholism Episodic chronic alcoholism Postpartum alcohol dependence Thrombocytopenia [icd10data.com]
Alcohol has a direct effect on the bone marrow leading to thrombocytopenia. H. [bhj.org.in]
- Hyperuricemia
[…] syndrome Pancreas : Acute pancreatitis Chronic calcifying pancreatitis Cardiovascular system: Holiday heart syndromes Dilatative cardiomyopathy caused by alcoholism Arterial hypertension Apoplexy Coronary heart disease Metabolism : Hypertriglyceridemia Hyperuricemia [flexikon.doccheck.com]
High carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT) With regard to alcoholism, BAC is useful to judge alcohol tolerance, which in turn is a sign of alcoholism.[3] Electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities including hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, hyperuricemia [en.wikipedia.org]
- Hypophosphatemia
[…] aminotransferase (ALT) levels elevated, usually < 300 U/L; AST/ALT ratio ~ 2:1 Hematologic Anemia Leukocytosis or leukopenia Thrombocytopenia Increased serum globulin levels Metabolic Elevated blood ammonia level Hyperglycemia Respiratory alkalosis Hypomagnesemia Hypophosphatemia [clevelandclinicmeded.com]
Biopsy
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Mutations, decreased promoter activity, and decreased expression in PTEN are frequently identified in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
ONCOLOGY – alcohol predisposes to multiple cancers, most notably Hepatocellular carcinoma (secondary to cirrhosis), also ENT and esophageal cancers (synergistic with smoking), as well as breast cancer and others. [errolozdalga.com]
Dysfibrinogenaemia In severe liver disease, especially with hepatocellular carcinoma. Thrombin time. Reptilase time. [rcpa.edu.au]
Hepatocellular carcinoma develops in 10 to 15% of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. [merckmanuals.com]
Treatment
The last few decades have seen many pharmacological studies devoted to the improvement of alcoholism treatment. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
These failures in the treatment process for advanced stage of alcoholism are largely responsible for the significant number of treatment failures and relapses. [the-alcoholism-guide.org]
Prognosis
The prognosis worsens with the increased length of addiction and is reversely proportionate to the age when the disease started. [flexikon.doccheck.com]
We consider that these findings may be useful for evaluating the psychiatric state as a prognosis in chronic alcoholic patients, and should be a routine laboratory test in alcoholic patients. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
[…] of vomiting) Vit gandha (faecal smelling) – chardi asadhya lakshana (bad prognosis of vomiting) Click to consult Dr Raghuram Y.S. [easyayurveda.com]
Certain biopsy findings (eg, neutrophils, perivenular fibrosis) indicate a worse prognosis. [merckmanuals.com]
Etiology
OBJECTIVES: To report the etiology of liver cirrhosis cases diagnosed at the University Hospital in Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Various disciplines have participated and, as is to be expected, different concepts as to etiology and, consequently, treatment have resulted. Because of the fact that no one treatment is successful in all alcoholics, and FULL TEXT [annals.org]
Epidemiology
This article reviews the clinical, pathophysiological, and epidemiological characteristics of these two conditions. A major risk factor common to both oral cancer and alcoholic cirrhosis is the excessive use of alcohol. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Epidemiology of DSM-5 Alcohol Use Disorder: Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III. JAMA Psychiatry. 2015 Aug. 72 (8):757-66. [Medline]. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Annals of Epidemiology 17(Suppl.5):S40–S42, 2007. Hillbom, M.; Pieninkeroinen, I.; and Leone, M. Seizures in alcohol-dependent patients: Epidemiology, pathophysiology and management. CNS Drugs 17(14):1013–1030, 2003. [pubs.niaaa.nih.gov]
Pathophysiology
This article reviews the clinical, pathophysiological, and epidemiological characteristics of these two conditions. A major risk factor common to both oral cancer and alcoholic cirrhosis is the excessive use of alcohol. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Pathophysiology of Chronic Alcoholism To treat alcoholism, we need to understand how ethanol is metabolized within the human body and the effects of excessive consumption. [esciencecentral.org]
Medical and dental aspects, both are described in brief to understand the pathophysiology better, as both are inseparable. [bhj.org.in]
Prevention
Yet skin cancer and AIDS are accepted as preventable diseases. Alcoholism is also a disease that can sometimes be avoided through prevention strategies and educational initiatives. [drugrehab.com]
CONCLUSION: Daily dietary administration of polydatin should be considered for prevention and treatment of liver disease and cognitive impairment in alcoholic patients. Copyright © 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Is It Possible to Prevent Alcoholism? Prevention of alcoholism is best accomplished by abstinence. You must first have access to alcohol before becoming dependent on the substance. [emedicinehealth.com]
References
- World Health Organization. International classification of diseases. 10th revision. WHO. 1992.
- Diehl AM. Liver disease in alcohol abusers: clinical perspective. Alcohol. 2002;27:7–11.
- Lieber CS. ALCOHOL: its metabolism and interaction with nutrients. Annu Rev Nutr. 2000;20:395–430.
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