Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol Withdrawal symptoms appear when a person accustomed to frequent high consumption of alcohol suddenly stops consuming alcohol. Such alcohol withdrawal symptoms do not occur in occasional drinkers. Since alcohol has a sedating effect on the brain, the brain of a heavy drinker adjusts itself to high levels of alcohol by producing larger amounts of serotonin. When there is sudden withdrawal of alcohol, the brain has to cope with a dramatic change in chemistry.

The body experiences alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and irritability. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include depression, difficulty in concentration and clear thinking. There are emotional changes that also occur. A person experiencing alcohol withdrawal may suffer headache, nausea and vomiting. There is loss of appetite and clammy skin. Often there is involuntary tremors in the hands and other abnormal movements. Alcohol withdrawal can result in a delirious state of hallucinations.

The patient may suffer damage to other organs due to excessive consumption of alchohol. There may be nutritional deficiencies. Treatment for alcohol withdrawal includeds screening and providing extensive social support. Medicines such as benzodiazepines are prescribed to contol anxiety and confusion associated with alcohol withdrawal. Adequate nutrition and sufficient rest are advised. Dietary changes such as reduced sugar intake and avoidance of caffeine are part of the treatment for alcohol withdrawal.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

The effects of alcohol consumption by a pregnant woman on her fetus are alarming. Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)refers to the distressing features observed in babies who have been exposed to alcohol before birth. In fact in some cases, the baby stands a risk of dying before birth. Alcohol crosses the placental barrier into the baby's bloodstream. It can reduce the amount of oxygen available to the growing fetus and lead to nutritional deficiency too. There may be retarded growth of brain cells. When a child suffers lesser symptoms due to maternal alcohol consumption, it is referred to as FAE - Foetal Alcohol Effect.

One of the most common features of a child suffering from Foetal Alcohol syndrome is low birth weight. The infant may have small eyes and flattened face. The head circumference is smaller than average. There might be heart defects. Foetal alcohol syndrome is not always diagnosed at birth. It may be diagnosed when there is a learning or growth problem. Babies suffering from FAS tend to have low IQ and learning difficulties. The child is at increased risk for behaviour and mental health issues. There are cases of cleft palate deformity and joint abnormalities in children born to mothers who consume large quantities of alcohol during their pregnancy. It is advisable for pregnant women to refrain from alcohol during their pregnancy to avoid FAS and FAE among their offsprings. It can lead to a lifetime of impaired mental and physical growth.

Cirrhosis

The liver is responsible for neutralizing the blood of toxins, germs and bacteria as well as producing immune agent to contrl infections. Bile, critical to the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins is made by the liver. Cirrhosis is a condition where the liver is affected by irreversibble scar tissue leading to its damage and consequent failure. Blood flow to the liver is then affected. Symptoms of cirrhosis range from exhaustion and fatigue to weight loss and abdominal pain. A person suffering from liver cirrhosis may experience abdominal pain and loss of appetite. There are noticeable red spider veins under the skin and the skin and eyes may turn yellow. There is decreased interest in sex and edema (swelling on hands and legs) might be noticed. A person suffering from cirrhosis and damaged liver may notice an increased tendency to bruise and bleed easily. Intense itching is felt on account of the bile products being deposited in the skin. Gallstones may develop as a result of inadequate bile reaching the gallbladder. There might be a buildup of toxins in the brain bringing about bouts of unresponsiveness and forgetfulness. Cirrhosis can bring on Portal hypertension - a condition where there is reduced flow of blood to the portal vein and increased pressure within it. Cirrhosis can eventually lead to liver cancer caused by carcinoma. Impotence, kidney dysfunction and osteoporosis are other likely complications of liver disease.

Cirrhosis of the liver is usually caused by chronic alcoholism or hepatitis C. Other possible factors leading to cirrhosis are problems in the immune system and damaged bile ducts.
Chronic Alcoholism - One of the common causes for cirrhosis is alcoholism. But this condition occurs only after atleast 10 years or more of heavy drinking. Alcohol affects the liver's ability to metabolise proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Chronic hepatitis - Hepatitis C virus can lead to severe inflammation and damage of the liver, thereby causing cirrhosis. Hepatitis B is one of the most common causes of liver inflammation in many of the developing nations.
Blocked bile ducts - In such a condition, the bile is unable to travel out of the liver and instead ends up damaging liver tissue. This can be a congentinal defect in some infants.

Cirrhosis of the liver can cause many other abnormalities. It can leads to elevated levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and sugar. Diabetes mellitus is a common fallout. There might be a fall in platelet count and GI bleeding. In severe cases of cirrhosis, there can be an immune system dysfunction or even brain swelling and later coma. The liver of an affected person will feel be larger and harder to touch. A liver scan or ultrasound can help detection of cirrhosis. A liver biopsy is sometimes resorted to. Damage to the liver due to cirrhosis cannot be reversed but further complications can be reduced with the right treatment. Cirrhosis caused by excess alcohol consumption needs lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol and following a nutritious diet. Low-sodium diet can help drain excess fluid-buildup within the body. Chronic viral hepatitis B and C are treated with prednisone and azathioprine. Any bacterial infection is treated with appropriate antibiotics. Liver transplantation surgery is done on cases where the liver is not capable of functioning. With the help of modern drugs such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus, the success of liver transplantation surgery has risen manyfold.