What Causes Yellowing Of The Eyes And Headache With Fatigue In An Alcoholic?

Posted on Sat, 25 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 25 Jan 2014 Answered on

Tue, 11 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello! I just noticed that my husband has a very slight yellowing to his eyes. I know that can indicate liver problems. He takes quite a lot of Advil- about two every other day, and last week had a really really bad hangover for not a lot of drinking. He had six beers and the next morning he vomited three times and had severe fatigue and aching all over his body for a full day. He also has done a huge amount of drinking throughout his 20s. He is now 34, and is an otherwise very good health. He doesn't have any other symptoms of liver issues i.e. upper right quadrant pain or fever or yellowing of the skin. How serious is this, and what else could it be? Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Possible alcoholic liver disease.... Detailed Answer: Hi, If your husband is taking Advil so frequently, this means that he is having frequent headaches or body aches. If frequent headaches, then, I suggest to monitor his blood pressure and record the results for further evaluation. Next, you are mentioning that your husband is a heavy drinker. Alcohol itself will cause damages to the liver and to other body organs giving problems like slight yellowing of the eyes. I suggest that he should run some blood work to determine if he is having alcoholic liver disease or other problems: - complete blood profile - liver/kidney/pancreas function tests - biochemistry tests - abdominal ultrasound - fasting blood glucose + HbA1C - lipid profile The slight yellowing of the eyes could indicate damage of the liver most probably due to alcoholic liver disease. However, the above-mentioned tests are necessary to determine it. The results of lab tests would determine if the problems of your husband are critical or can be resolved. I also advise to approach him and convince to stop drinking alcohol. If you cannot do it alone, then, you can ask to get helped from any local clinic for alcoholics. All the best! Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T