Commonly known as jaundice, developing yellow eyes from drinking alcohol is an indication of bilirubin buildup after the liver is unable to filter toxins in the bloodstream. This article explores the causes of yellow eyes from drinking too much alcohol, the signs and symptoms of alcohol-induced liver disease, and the treatment options to prevent further liver damage.
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Quick Points
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Developing yellow eyes from drinking alcohol is also referred to as alcoholic jaundice. Jaundice doesn't just affect the eyes, but can also manifest in the skin.
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Jaundice is caused by the buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a waste byproduct caused by the breaking down of red blood cells, and the liver plays a key role in cleaning the body of it.
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If people continue to abuse alcohol despite developing yellow eyes, they may develop alcohol-related liver diseases like alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease.
What Causes Yellow Eyes from Drinking Alcohol?
Yellow eyes, or jaundice, occur when there’s a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red cells break down, and the liver is responsible for processing and removing this bodily compound out of your body.
However, if you get liver damage due to drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, your liver can no longer filter the bilirubin. This results in bilirubin buildup leads to its accumulation into the skin and whites of the eyes, causing them to turn yellow. This condition is also called alcoholic jaundice. Excessive alcohol consumption or long-term alcohol abuse can accelerate this process, resulting in alcoholic liver disease and other complications.
How Alcohol Affects the Liver?
Drinking alcohol over time causes serious damage to liver cells. Alcohol is toxic to the liver, so it must work overtime to process and filter it from the body. Alcohol abuse causes inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and fat buildup (fatty liver disease). Eventually, these forms of alcohol-induced liver disease disrupt the liver’s ability to function, which can develop into more serious conditions like alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
The Role of Alcoholic Hepatitis in Causing Yellow Eyes
Alcoholic hepatitis is an advanced stage of alcohol-induced liver disease. This condition is characterized by inflammation and destruction of liver tissue. Alcohol abuse triggers this inflammation, causing the liver to swell and fail in its normal functions. If left untreated, alcoholic hepatitis can lead to severe complications and life-threatening health conditions like liver failure, fluid buildup, and, in the most extreme cases, death.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
The signs and symptoms of alcohol-related liver disease develops gradually, and only becomes apparent when significant liver damage has occurred. Some signs and symptoms include:
Alcoholic Jaundice
One of the earliest signs of alcoholic liver disease is jaundice, which is characterized as yellow eyes from drinking alcohol, and may indicate serious liver damage.
Abdominal Pain
Persistent abdominal pain, especially in the upper part of the abdomen where the liver is located, may be a sign of liver inflammation or severe alcoholic hepatitis.
Chronic Fatigue
People suffering from alcohol-induced liver disease like alcoholic hepatitis often feel weak or fatigued as the liver struggles to filter toxins from the body. Alcohol use disorder further exacerbates this condition.
Fluid Retention and Swelling
One of the common symptoms of advanced liver disease is liver failure, which can cause ascites or fluid buildup in the abdomen and swelling in the legs and feet.
Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss
Alcohol addiction destroys liver cells, reducing the liver’s ability to process nutrients, which leads to weight loss. This symptom is exacerbated when the individual experiences loss of appetite due to liver damage.
Confusion
Hepatic encephalopathy, a condition associated with alcoholic hepatitis, occurs when the liver fails to remove the toxins in the bloodstream, resulting in the individual to experience confusion or forgetfulness.
Nausea and Vomiting
Liver failure caused by alcohol addiction leads to gastrointestinal concerns, which may cause nausea and vomiting.
Dark Urine
Alcohol abuse can cause urine to become dark as a result of the increased levels of bilirubin in the body, and this another indication of sign of alcoholic hepatitis or severe liver disease.
Alcoholic Hepatitis and Alcoholic Liver Disease: Treatment Options
If you develop yellow eyes from drinking alcohol, it’s essential to seek medical care, as the condition can be an indication of alcohol hepatitis or alcohol liver disease. Some treatment options that you can consider are as follows:
Stop Drinking Alcohol
According to the American Liver Foundation, one of the primary steps in treating alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease is to quit drinking alcohol to prevent further liver damage.
Nutritional Therapy
Since malnutrition is common in people with alcohol-related liver disease, medical professionals recommend dietary changes, such as a high-calorie and protein-rich diet.
Taking Medications
Healthcare providers may prescribe medications like corticosteroids as they help reduce liver inflammation, particularly in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis.
Liver Transplant
A person with advanced liver disease, where the liver no longer functions properly, may seek treatment through liver transplant. This procedure is often considered for those who seek a sober lifestyle after struggling with severe alcohol use disorder.
Professional Treatment Programs
Seeking treatment through alcohol recovery program helps individuals overcome alcohol use disorder and maintain sobriety. These programs address the physical and psychological aspects of alcohol addiction through treatment options that include:
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Inpatient rehab
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Therapy and counseling
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Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (NA)
Top 5 Tips to Prevent Yellow Eyes and Avoid Liver Damage
Here are 5 medically-proven tips to prevent yellow eyes from drinking alcohol and protect your liver from alcohol-related liver disease:
Avoid Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is one of the leading causes of alcohol-induced liver disease, including alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Aside from stopping alcohol consumption, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and adapt dietary changes to support liver health.
Manage Alcohol Use Disorder
Seek professional treatment if you suffer from alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder to address the condition with medical care and counseling and prevent the progression of liver disease progression.
Stay Hydrated and Exercise
Drinking plenty of water can aid in filtering toxins from the liver, while exercise helps reduce the risk of fatty liver disease.
How Can NUMA Help?
At NUMA Recovery Centers, we provide comprehensive treatment for alcohol use disorder and alcohol-related liver diseases. From alcohol detox to long-term recovery support, our team of experienced medical professionals is dedicated to helping you regain control of your health and achieve a sober lifestyle. Reach out to NUMA Recovery Centers to get the medical care and support you need for your recovery.
Adam Zagha
