Pain After Drinking Alcohol – When to Check Your Liver

Dr Lauren Holland • Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
Results within 24 – 42 hours. Westminster residents receive 20% off.

Pain after drinking alcohol is more common than many people realise. Patients in London often describe sharp pain under the right ribs, nausea, bloating, fatigue, headaches or heaviness the morning after drinking. While mild discomfort may be linked to dehydration, persistent or severe pain after alcohol can indicate liver irritation, gallbladder issues, inflammation, vitamin deficiency, pancreatic strain or metabolic imbalance.

Clinically, we see liver-related symptoms increase around weekends, social events and festive seasons. Blood testing is one of the safest ways to assess whether the liver or pancreas is under stress. This guide explains why alcohol triggers pain, when it becomes concerning, and which tests at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre help identify internal strain.

Why Pain Happens After Drinking Alcohol

Pain after drinking may come from:

• the liver
• the gallbladder
• the stomach
• the pancreas
• the muscles
• dehydration

Common medical causes include:

Persistent symptoms usually indicate internal imbalance.

Symptoms That Appear with Pain After Alcohol

Patients report:

• pain under right ribs
• sharp or stabbing pain
• nausea
• headache
• fatigue
• bloating
• indigestion
• diarrhoea
• yellow tinge to skin or eyes
• pain radiating to back
• shakiness
• poor appetite

Patterns help identify whether the liver, gallbladder or pancreas is involved.

When Pain After Alcohol Is Serious

Seek testing if you experience:

• pain on the right side
• persistent nausea
• vomiting
• yellow skin or eyes
• severe fatigue
• pain that radiates to the back
• fever
• dark urine
• pale stools
• loss of appetite

These may indicate liver inflammation or pancreatic irritation.

Risk Factors for Pain After Alcohol in London

You may be more likely to experience pain if you:

• drink socially on weekends
• consume cocktails or spirits
• are low in vitamin D
• have a high-sugar diet
• have a history of gallstones
• are under high stress
• sleep irregularly
• have low B12 or low iron
• drink while dehydrated

These patterns are very common in the city.

What Blood Tests Reveal About Alcohol-Related Pain

At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, these tests help identify liver or pancreatic stress.

Liver Function Test (LFT)

Checks for inflammation and alcohol-related changes.

High markers may indicate:

• fatty liver
• alcohol-related irritation
• bile flow issues
• gallbladder strain

Symptoms:

• pain under ribs
• nausea
• bloating
• heaviness after alcohol

GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)

The most sensitive marker for alcohol-related liver stress.

Raised GGT means:

• frequent drinking
• liver irritation
• reduced detox capacity

Pancreatic Enzymes (Amylase & Lipase)

Useful when pain radiates to the back or is severe.

High levels may indicate:

• pancreatic inflammation
• duct irritation
• alcohol-induced strain

Vitamin B12 & Folate

Low levels increase nausea, fatigue and sensitivity to alcohol.

Vitamin D

Low vitamin D contributes to pain, weakness and slower liver recovery.

Full Blood Count (FBC)

Checks for inflammation, anaemia or immune changes.

CRP (Inflammation Marker)

Detects inflammatory responses in liver, gallbladder or pancreas.

Wellness Profile

MDC’s most complete panel for patients with multiple symptoms.

Includes:

• liver
• pancreas
• vitamins
• minerals
• thyroid
• HbA1c
• FBC
• CRP

Which MDC Profiles Are Best?

Symptom – Test Matching Table

Clinical Insight

“Pain after drinking alcohol is often a sign that the liver or pancreas is under strain. Blood testing helps identify early inflammation before symptoms worsen.”
– Dr Lauren Holland

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Book Your Liver and Pancreas Tests at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre

Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
Tel: +44 7495 970109
Open Monday–Saturday, 08:00–16:00

Fast, private and confidential testing with results in 24 – 42 hours.
Westminster residents receive 20% off.

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Read More

• NHS: Alcohol and Health
• NHS: Liver Disease
• NHS: Pancreatitis
• NHS: Vitamin B Deficiency