Diseases Caused by Alcoholism

Submitted by Mark Berman Mon 07/04/2011

When you talk about diseases that alcoholism can cause, most people focus on liver disease. Indeed, alcohol can harm and eventually destroy the liver if a person drinks enough. But liver problems are just one of many problems alcohol can cause. According to a report from HubPages.com, here is a partial list of alcohol-related diseases:

Cancer
Alcohol can increase the risk of cancers of the tongue, lip, larynx, stomach, colon, breast, liver, bile duct and esophagus.

The Cardiovascular System
High blood pressure, heart disease, artery disease, sudden heart failure, heart attack can be caused by alcoholism.

Gastrointestinal
Pancreatitis, gastritis, chronic diarrhea esophagatitis, colitis, acid reflux, and parotid enlargement.

The Brain
Alcohol can cause such brain problems as seizures, Korsakof's syndrome, Wernicke's Syndrome, dementia, brain shrinkage, stroke, subdural hematoma, hemorrhage and neuropathy.

The Blood
Alcohol can effect the blood, causing anemia, marrow toxicity, an iron or folate deficiency or leucopenia.

The Endocrine System
Diabetes, ketoacidosis and gout.

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