Alcoholic hepatitis When hepatitis is caused by alcohol

The alcoholic hepatitis It is characterized by inflammation of the liver, caused mainly by excessive consumption of alcohol. If not treated in advance, this pathology can later lead to other more serious diseases such as cirrhosis or cancer of the liver and also of the pancreas.

Everyone can think that alcoholic hepatitis only occurs in those drinkers who have been consuming alcoholic beverages practically since their entire lives. But this is not quite so. In fact, it is a condition very related to the fatty liver for alcohol consumption.

This liver disease is simply more likely to occur in people of advanced age or where in your family there have been other cases of this condition (especially in women). In one way or another, it is strongly recommended to reduce alcohol consumption once the first symptoms appear.

What are the symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis?

First of all, it is important to know that the symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis can vary depending on the damage that the liver is suffering. Although in general terms are characterized by presenting as follows:

  • General discomfort. Since hepatitis is a pathology that directly affects the intestinal system, it is normal for the patient to feel a great sensation of fatigue accompanied by nausea and vomiting at any time of the day.
  • Changes in appetite. Alcoholic hepatitis is also characterized by changes in the patient's appetite, which can then translate into considerable weight loss. This is because the liver is not able to absorb and synthesize all the nutrients that are in the foods that are ingested.
  • Dry mouth. It is also very common to have a great feeling of thirst that will cause after the entire mouth is always dry.
  • In the face of any disease, the body will react by increasing body temperature as a defense mechanism.
  • Yellowing of skin and eyes. Hepatitis can also cause a clear case of yellowing of the skin, a pathology also known as jaundice, caused mainly by having levels of high bilirubin.
  • Swelling in the abdomen It can also be given that the person affected by alcoholic hepatitis suffers from a strong swelling throughout the upper part of the abdomen.

What is the treatment for alcoholic hepatitis?

As these symptoms can really appear with any other disease that is related to the liver (hepatitis, cirrhosis, cholangitis) it is best to go to the nearest doctor as soon as possible. In this way, you can diagnose if it is a clear case of alcoholic hepatitis and then act accordingly.

Although obviously, the first thing to do is reduce consumption drastically and drink a large amount of water to hydrate the entire organ with the aim of returning to normal operation as soon as possible if there are no more damages serious.

  • Healthier lifestyle. A healthy and balanced diet in all kinds of nutrients can at least prevent and reduce the symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis. It is recommended to stay away from too salty and spicy foods. This diet should also be accompanied by daily physical activity so that the liver functions normally again.
  • Vitamins A, B, C and K. All these components will help the symptoms of this type of hepatitis to subside. Most of them can be found in a multitude of foods with the exception of vitamin K, which should be injected intravenously.
  • Specific medications. These can range from vaccines to prevent more severe hepatitis along with a series of antibiotics to treat infections.
  • Surgery. In more severe cases of alcoholic hepatitis, sometimes you will have no choice but to do an endoscopy to remove all the fluid that is stored in the abdomen. This is what is known as paracentesis.
This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesAlcohol Liver diseases Liver

Mayo Clinic Study on Alcoholic Hepatitis (February 2024)