what does the term bruising mean in alcohol
Easy bruising linked to alcohol can be a sign of alcoholic liver disease. MedlinePlus lists easy bruising and abnormal bleeding among the symptoms that appear as liver function worsens. See a doctor if you bruise easily, especially after heavy drinking.
Free download
Standard Drinks Cheat Sheet (PDF): How many US standard drinks and UK units are in beer, wine, spirits and liqueurs, by can, glass and bottle. 33 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.What the term means
People searching this usually mean bruises that appear easily after heavy drinking, or bruising as a sign of liver disease. MedlinePlus lists "easy bruising and abnormal bleeding" among symptoms that appear as liver function worsens, and lists bleeding problems (coagulopathy) as a possible complication of alcoholic liver disease.
Other signs to watch for
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Confusion or a change in alertness
When to get help
MedlinePlus says to contact a provider if you develop symptoms of alcoholic liver disease, have symptoms after a long period of heavy drinking, or are worried that drinking may be harming your health. It says to seek care immediately for bleeding from the rectum, vomiting blood, blood in the urine, new or fast-worsening jaundice, or new or worsening confusion.
The NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E if you vomit blood or your poo is black and sticky.
A caution
We found no official source that says bruising alone proves liver damage, so a doctor needs to check the cause. To track how much you drink, see our standard drink calculator.
People also ask
Does alcohol cause bruising?
MedlinePlus lists easy bruising and abnormal bleeding as symptoms of alcoholic liver disease as liver function worsens. A doctor should assess any new easy bruising.
Is bruising after drinking a sign of liver damage?
It can be one sign, but we found no official source saying it proves liver damage on its own. See a doctor, who can check the cause.
When should I get urgent help?
The NHS says call 999 or go to A&E if you vomit blood or have black, sticky poo. MedlinePlus also lists bleeding from the rectum, blood in urine and new confusion.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections



