Haematemesis signals your liver has been severely damaged

Alcohol-related liver disease, or ARLD for short, is caused by consuming large amounts of alcohol. The tricky part about this condition is its reluctance to show symptoms but that doesn’t mean there’s no red flags to be aware of. Haematemesis is one of the tell-tale signs that your liver has sustained severe damage.Between G&Ts and pints, there’s no doubt that Britons like to enjoy the occasional tipple.While having a drink from time to time doesn’t pose a huge risk for your liver as the organ has an amazing ability to regenerate, drinking to excess doesn’t extend the same kindness.Even when compromised by alcohol, your liver might not show any warning signs of harm for a while.Once the organ has been ‘severely damaged’, a slew of serious symptoms including haematemesis may occur, according to the NHS.READ MORE: Dyschezia could signal spreading tumour of bowel cancer – sign that strikes on loo Alcohol related liver disease: Symptoms include haematemesis or vomiting blood. (Image: GETTY)Haematemesis, or vomiting blood, is a serious symptom that can be bright red, brown or black in colour.’It may be like liquid or more solid, or look like coffee granules,’ according to the health service.You can probably guess that this red flag ‘needs to be checked’ but it may also need an ’emergency treatment’.The NHS urges calling 999 or going to A&E if you experience vomiting blood alongside signs including:Feeling generally unwellFeeling confusedFeeling faint or dizzyHaving rapid or shallow breathingHaving cold, clammy, pale skinHaving tummy painHaving black poo.DON’T MISS  Haematemesis, or vomiting blood, is a serious symptom. (Image: GETTY) Unlike ARLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver isn’t caused by the drink. (Image: Express.co.uk)Your liver is able to develop new cells after alcohol kills some each time you drink but regularly drinking alcohol to excess means the organ can’t catch up.’Prolonged alcohol misuse (drinking too much) over many years can reduce its ability to regenerate,’ the NHS states.What’s worse, ARLD has become quite common in the UK, with the number of patients rising over the last decade.Although the most effective way of preventing ARLD is kissing drinking goodbye, sticking below the recommended levels could still help. Men and women shouldn’t regularly drink more than 14 units a week.