Alcohol-related diseases on the rise due to Covid stress: UAE doctors

Abu Dhabi - Medics warned that excessive alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, making one vulnerable to Covid-19.

Doctors have reported an increase in alcohol-related hospitalisation cases amid the pandemic. On World Liver Day, they reiterated how drinking liquor weakens the immune system and leads to critical diseases.

Dr Eswar Moparty, gastroenterologist at Medeor Hospital, Dubai, noted that alcohol consumption — especially drinking to cope with work-related stress — is on the rise.

“There is an increase in the number of people consuming alcohol. Being off work, confined at home with depression due to lockdown or restrictions, some people tend to drink alcohol in greater quantities. There is a higher chance of contracting Covid-19 infection when visiting pubs and bars. Hence, there is a rise in hospitalisation for alcohol-related liver and pancreatic diseases,” he said.

Dr Moparty noted that drinking liquor doesn’t relieve stress but weakens the immune system, making a person more prone to Covid-19 infection.

“Alcohol affects every organ in the body. There is no real safe limit. Alcohol weakens the body makes it susceptible to infection by affecting the innate and acquired immunity. Alcohol increases gut formability, leading to bacterial translocation, sepsis and multi-organ failure. Rather than lowering stress, it worsens the body’s response to Covid-19.”

Dr Mashhood P.V., gastroenterology and hepatology specialist at Aster Hospital, Al Qusais, warned of a new wave of liver diseases after the pandemic ends.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com