Alcoholic Hepatitis:
What is alcoholic hepatitis?
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, which often results in damage and destruction of the cells within the liver. Alcoholic hepatitis is a complex problem and is a precursor to chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. If an individual develops alcoholic hepatitis and abstains from drinking, the inflammation is often reversible over a period of time. However, if the individual has already developed cirrhosis, the liver disease can progress rapidly to liver failure.
What causes alcoholic hepatitis?
Inflammation of the liver can be caused by a variety of agents, including: poisons, drugs, viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and even larger organisms like worms. Alcohol is considered a poison when consumed in more than modest amounts. Alcohol may destroy the stomach lining, liver, heart muscle, and brain tissue. The liver is a primary target because alcohol travels to the liver after leaving the intestines. Those who drink enough to get alcohol poisoning have a tendency to be undernourished, since alcohol provides ample calories but little nutrition. It is suspected that both the alcohol and the poor nutrition contribute to alcoholic hepatitis.
What are the symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis?
The following are the most common symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Common symptoms may include:
- Abdominal tenderness
- Spider-like blood vessels in the skin
- Ascites - fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity.
- Poor appetite
- Jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Low fever
- Fatigue
- An overall feeling of being ill
Treatment options:
Specific treatment for alcoholic hepatitis will be determined by your physician based on: age, overall health, medical history, and the extent of the disease. The individual with alcoholic hepatitis may be admitted to the hospital or treated on an outpatient basis. Abstinence from alcohol is essential for reversing the hepatitis. This is a complex problem that may require an alcohol treatment program. There is no medication to cure alcoholic hepatitis; therefore, treatment involves reducing the symptoms and halting the progression of the disease, and may include medications to reduce the inflammation
Additional patient resources:
- Functions of the liver
- Institute of Human Virology
- Mayo Clinic
- Alcohol: What You Don’t Know Can Harm You
- More patient resources
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
